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The “Patagoniarantz” Program (To Patagonia) hopes to strengthen the Basque culture, especially Euskera, in Patagonia, thanks to visitors from the Basque Country who come to the region wanting to participate in the activities at local clubs.  This first Barnetegi took place in San Antonio Este coordinated by teacher Xabier Lasa from Tolosa, Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country and local teacher, Rocio Basterra. 

San Antonio Este, Argentina.  A dozen Basque students participated in the program at the Aberri Etxea Basque Club facilities.  The Barnetegi ran the entire weekend in San Antonio Este in the province of Rio Negro and allowed students to experience an immersion program in the Basque language.

On October 27 and 28, students and teachers were lodged in cabins on the coast, just feet from the sea.  There they participated in varied activities: games, conversation practice (mintza-prakticka), exercises, workshops on bertsolaritza, as well as putting together a skit.  And like at all Barnetegis, meals and rest times also took place in Basque.

As Rocio Basterra told EuskalKultura.com, “Everything went really well, we had a great time.  On Saturday, local Northern Patagonia people invited us to eat at a seafood restaurant El Puerto and there we also danced and sang in Basque.  It was a great opportunity for people there to learn something about the culture of Euskal Herria.”

The final activity was a treasure hunt.  Students had to follow clues to find the best prize: the book Ni ez naiz hemengoa (I’m not from Here) by Joseba Sarrionandia donated by student, Sandro Linares. 

The organization would like to thank everyone who helped make it a success, especial Jorge, Cristian and Mercedes who allowed us to hold it at the port.

Talk

During his visit to Viedma y Patagones, Xabier Lasa also gave a talk to club members and friends.  In a relaxed atmosphere and interaction with the audience, the Basque teacher talked about Basque culture, and Basque language instruction as well as his experiences in Euskal Herria.