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The festival, one of the largest in its field in South America, took place February 3-10, and gathered some 30 cultures and collectivities from abroad over the week, as well as renowned artists from all over the country.  The Euzko Etxea in Villa Maria once again participated being responsible for representing the Basques and the Basque culture and country and did so by performing typical dances, performed by the Txikis and youth from Jai Alai. 

Alta Gracia, Argentina.   Located some 40 kilometers from the city of Cordoba, Alta Gracia does not currently have an organized Basque community.  However, not wanting that Euskal Herria, one of the people with the largest immigrant communities in the country, not be represented at the festival, the Euzko Etxea in Villa Maria, for the fifth time, represented the Basque Country at the “All the World in Alta Gracia,” gathering.

At this, the 31^st edition of the festival, the txikis and youth dancers from the Jai Alai group performed at the festival on February 9, on the main stage.  There they performed Zuletino, Polka, Fandango and Arin Arin.  The standard-bearers, Ismael Martinez Alegria and Luis Carricaburu were also part of the delegation that presented the Ikurriña at the festival. In a conversation with EuskalKultura.com, the former president, Martinez de Alegria, explained that this year the group of participants was smaller due to the absence of some of its members due to the summer break.  “That is why we travelled along with the Balearic Club from Villa Maria and in all we were 35.  Although the weather didn’t cooperate, we were able to perform and enjoy the show,” he said.

Remember that the Euskal Etxea as well as the Balearic Club are part of the Communities of Villa Maria.  At the festival, over the week, more than 30 communities performed dances and music as well as provided typical dishes at the gastronomic patio.

“Anima Zaitez: Spreading the Basque Cuture”

After resuming its activities in Alta Gracia, the Euzko Etxea in Villa Maria will continue to work through the month of February incise out, organizing meetings to get its annual program of activities going with Euskera classes, dance; gatherings, celebrations, talks, film…

In March, there will be a call for the “Anima Zaitez: Spreading the Basque Culture,” program.  This cultural exchange program allows youth from the Basque Country to come to Argentina and teach various workshops on different aspects of the Basque culture.  Once the details for this opportunity are firmed up, an invitation to apply will be published in EuskalKultura.com, as well as on the Anima Zaitez Facebook page.