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The collection of traditional clothing made by Magdalena Mignaburu has now arrived at its last destination in Karrantza, Bizkaia after circulating through Argentine Basque clubs.  Magdalena Mignaburu has donated the exhibit to the local town hall that has provided two room in its Office of Tourism to accommodate the 27 models that will now be permanently exhibited. 

Karrantza, Bizkaia.   Several personal reasons motivated Magdalena Mignaburu to leave this collection known as “Gure Arropa – Our Clothes” in the hands of the town of Karrantza.  The most important of which, is that this place serves as her second home.  In her words, “This year I moved and I couldn’t bring the collection along.  This is why I had to find a home for it, and I felt that the best thing would be to donate it, and there was no better place than Karrantza.  Some years ago I met the Vikario Albion family who I have remained friends with, and who have been very generous to me and have shown me to love this valley.  I consider this a gift for my good friends.”

The presentation of “Gure Arropa,” took place October 27^th at the Kultur Etxea with a large number of guests including former director of Foreign Relations in the Basque Government, Josu Legarreta.  The event began with the signing of the donation by Mignaburu to Mayor Raul Palacio.  After an Aurresku, the author spoke about how the exhibit came about, and about the Basque presence in Argentina.  She also explained the significance of each costume, and along with Legarreta they presented the town hall with a copy of their book We Basque-Argentines that is part of the Urazandi collection.

“After traveling so many kilometers, to Basque clubs and museums in Argentina and Uruguay, it is now time for a rest,” Mignaburu said as she left the collection.  It will be well-cared for, and above all enjoyed by everyone who comes to Karrantza.  The town is preparing two rooms at the Office of Tourism to house “Gure Arropa” that will be opened as a permanent public exhibit.

 “Después de haber andado tantos kilómetros, en euskal etxeas y museos, en Argentina y Uruguay, ya era hora de que descansara”, expresó Mignaburu a la hora de despedirse de su colección. La misma estará bien cuidada y sobre todo podrá ser disfrutada por todos aquellos vascos que se acerquen a Karrantza. La localidad está acondicionando dos salones de la Oficina de Turismo para que ‘Gure Arropa’ esté abierta al público como exposición permanente.