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The Brussels Euskal Etxea celebrated Sagardotegi (cider house) Night, on October 17, a new inititive that enjoyed huge support from club members and friends. Although first capped at 60, nearly 100 signed up and the club opened its doors to them all.  The club also took advantage of the event to present the club and propose new work dynamics. 

Brussels, Belgium.  The cider traditions of the Basque Country were successfully introduced in Brussels by the local Basque club, whose first Sagardotegi Night gathered nearly 100 people.  “The event went very well, a thousand times better than what we expected!  Ninety people signed up, even though initially we only prepared it for 60,” Ana Etxaburu told EuskalKultura.com.  “In the end, we let everyone in and we were glad to see a lot of new people, above all younger people and not just Basques.”

The dinner menu was that of a typical sagardotegi: codfish tortilla, txuleta, cheese, membrillo and nuts.  The atmosphere was very animated ant the evening ended with members and friends singing typical Basque songs.

New Dynamics

Taking advantage of the large crowd, the club held an informal meeting that included a presentation of the club, explaining its activities, courses, introducing Basque teachers and the board of directors….This board also proposed a new way of working to the club.

“One of the foundations of this new dynamic was to create an “ekintza taldea” (action group).  Until now the board of directors was in charge of organizing activities.  Now, our intention is to incorporate new people in this group,” Etxaburu said.  “We want these people to participate in the activities and also for them to come to us with their proposals, so that we make room for them and carry them out in the club. After dinner we already had some volunteers.  Because of this change I will be the new coordinator of the club and Itsaso Muro will coordinate the “Ekintza Taldea,” she said.

World Congress in Gasteiz

On the other hand, the Euskal Etxea in Brussels evaluated its participation in the World Congress of Basque Communities that took place October 7-9 in Gasteiz.  Josu Agirre and Ana Etxaburu represented the Belgian club.

“In our opinion, it went well, especially given the informal contacts that we were able to make.  The meeting format didn’t work, and all the themes weren’t interesting. But the work that we did along with other Basque clubs in Europe, outside the congress was completely enriching.  We continue to work on common projects, and it is a shame that the Congress didn’t give us time for that kind of work,” Etxaburu added.

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