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The Argentinean dantzaris from Parana have barely had a rest this month as ambassadors of Basque dance in this Argentine city since they have been invited to participate in several community festivals.  But Urrundik also had its own performances and in 2015, as previous years, it organized its dance show at the Theater of Febrero 3, with the participation of dancers of all ages. 

Parana, Argentina.  The Basque Association Urrundik in Parana provides a wide array of options to its members and friends.  Throughout the year it offers workshops on theater and Argentinean folklore, vocal lessons and classes, chess tournaments, to mention a few.  Without a doubt the activity that provides them with the most visibility are its dancers that allows people of all ages to participate divided into three groups: txikis, intermediates, and adults, who represent the Basque community wherever needed.

The image of the group from Urrundik surpasses the city limits and they are often invited to various places in the province to add music and color to festivals.  This was the case on September 20 when the dancers performed at the 11th Immigrant Festival in San Benito.  The dance group performed in front of a large audience and received warm applause and a souvenir of the event.

The festivities for Immigrants’ Day in Parana also included the Basque dancers who shared the stage this time with groups from the Israelite Society, the Spanish Society, the House of Catalonia, and Asturias, Germans from Volga, Piamontes, the Sicilian Family, the Arab Union, and the Jose Hernandez Study.  After the Immigrants’ Day program the club was also present at the anniversary of Villa Urquiza that is also in Entre Rios, with a special invitation from the city.

Basque dance festival in Parana

The festival organized by the Urrundik Association at the Theater Febrero 3 is held every September to allow all the dancers, of all ages, to show off what they have worked on during the year, as well as incorporating some new numbers.  It isn’t just a big Basque dance festival, but also includes the Tango and other Argentine folkloric dances.  Members of this year's theater group include: Juan Carlos Borrás, Ezequiel Almeida, Oscar Giles, Elisa Gigena and Fabián Pereira.  The festival was a huge success for the Urrundik Association who is now putting the final touches on its trip to Semana Nacional in Macachin.