euskalkultura.eus

Milan, Italy.  This year a Basque class has begun in the city of Milan, taught by Lucia Ezker from Pamplona.  The first class was held last Thursday and there are already 13 students enrolled.  Classes will take place on Thursday from 19:00 to 21:00 at the local Baraonda gaztetxe or young center.

Even though it seems strange, the idea began in Rome, since the ACE and UPTER have been teaching Basque for several years, lately with support from the Etxepare Basque Institute.  “They told us from Rome that they had been receiving inquiries about Basque classes in Milan, so we thought maybe we could put something together,” said Ezker.  “When we published the announcement a lot of interested people responded and so it became clear that we needed to do something.”

Lucia Ezker is a Spanish teacher in Milan where she teaches individuals as well groups for businesses.  She is now trying Basque in Milan for the first time.  “In Milan there is a group of friends of Euskal Herria and they organize several activities to get to know the Basque Country and its situation.  And yes, some know a lot besides.  Today the normal person from Milan knows the tourist side, but there are many who are truly in love with the Basque,” she concluded.