Olavarría, Argentina. As many other Basque clubs, one of the greatest challenges faced by the Gure Etxe Maitea Basque Club in the city of Olavarria, province of Buenos Aires is to guarantee continuity of its activity through generational change. It is not an easy task; but the institution chaired by Marisu Mendizabal seems to have found a way: About twenty boys and girls who Basque dance have continued to be linked to the club online in 2020, with proposals that include other aspects of the culture of the Basque Country.
In 2021, and faced with a health situation that does not seem to change, at least in the immediate future, the Basque club wants to add virtual music workshops with typical Basque instruments to its offerings. To carry this out, they are inviting musicians from both Argentina and the Basque Country, or even the Diaspora who would like to and can collaborate by giving some online classes.
Mendizabal explained to EuskalKultura.eus, “As a result of having participated in the Basque instrument workshop organized by FEVA with musicians from Gerora, we have built a txalaparta and luthier, Santiago Chamorro, also from Gerora, made us some txistus. We also have drums and drumsticks. That is why we would like to complement dance classes with music classes.”
“Our children’s group is large and has been making stronger all of last year in our virtual meetings. We know that learning and practicing our culture is an activity that they expect, and our responsibility is to entertain them, train them and keep them linked to the club,” the president said.
If you are willing and can give us a hand, or know someone that could, your contribution will be more than welcome. Please contact us through Facebook or by email writing to mendizabalmaria@speedy.com.ar.
Aldez aurretik, eskerrik asko! (Many thanks in advance!)
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