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Chino, California.  Basques in Chino began September and the new school year immersed in festivities thanks to the Chino Basque Club’s annual picnic that took place on September 1 and 2.  The Basque club celebrated its 45 anniversary this year, and members were eager to celebrate the occasion in style.  Activities began on Saturday with pala matches in Aphessetche’s Trinketa, followed by a public dance that night. 

Sunday began with mass in Basque with a performance of the Besta Berri group.  At noon a BBQ lunch was served and that evening there was a performance of Basque folk music.  Late in the afternoon everyone regained their strength with dinner followed by a dance – “non-stop,” according to Ysursa – to the music of Kantuz, who came from Donibane-Garazi to participate in the Basque festivities in California. 

[The Chino Basque club prepared two meals: for lunch there was barbecued steak and chicken, and at night barbecued lamb, chicken and txilindron (stew).  In the photo, club president, Candida Echeverria cooking with Patrick Camou and head chef Isidore Camou wearing a txapela. (Photo ChinoEE)]

[The most applauded acts were the dance performances by the club’s groups along with the Klika.  In the photo two “Txori-ttipiak” (little birds from the children’s group) during their performance (Photo ChinoEE)]

[What is a Basque festival without love?  At the 2012 picnic there was a huge surprise as you can tell by the expressions in the photo.  In the middle of the dance a club member asks his girlfriend to marry him.  Zorionak bikote! Congratulations to the happy couple! (Photo ChinoEE)]