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Choirs from San Pedro and Baradero joined those in Arrecifes at a concert held to celebrate the 25 years of the local Basque Cultural Center (EKE, Eusko Kultur Etxea).  As part of the festivities there was also an exhibition of wood carving by the group Yvyra.  At the inauguration, local artist, Ricardo Porta presented the Center with a painting of the “Basque patriot” and historic reference of the Center, Lucio Echaniz. 

Arrecifes, Argentina.   The Choir Gathering for the 25th anniversary of the Eusko Kultur Etxea in Arrecifes took place on September 24th at the Parish of San Jose in Arrecifes, and was attended by the Polyphonic Choir “Guillermo Farabolini,” from San Pedro and the Choral Group from Baradero, both directed by Juan Sebastian Concilio; and the Polyphonic Choir “Iruki Alaiak” and the Arrecifes Basque Club’s Children’s Choir, directed by Maria Auil.  Among the works presented by “Iruki Alaiak” was “Agur Jaunak.”  (Video, here).

After the event, the choir members gathered at the Basque Club for dinner.  The festivities ran into the early morning hours.

Exhibit

The Choir gathering was only one of the activities proposed by the members of Euskaldunak Denak Bat to celebrate the anniversary of the Cultural Center.  On October 1-2 there was a Basque Taberna and an exhibit of the word carving by the group “Yvyra,” comprised by students form the 2014-2016 workshop taught by Professor Elva D’Angelo.

Moments before the inauguration of the exhibit, local painter, Ricardo “Bocha” Porta, former Student of Mr. Lucio Echaniz, presented the Eusko Kultur Etxea with an oil painting that he did in memory of his former maestro.  After unveiling the painting, Porto read a poem dedicated to Echaniz and later presented it to the Echaniz family.

When the exhibit was opened to the public, the Center’s vice-president, Juan Lucio Echaniz Agotegary, addressed everyone present and also reminded everyone of the quarter century of the library “Lucio Echaniz” as well.  That is why librarian Laura Nobile also referred to the activities carried out over the last few years in the Library; and Mariana Dominé recalled the beginnings of the EKE.  To conclude with the inauguration presents were given to artists Elva D’Angelo, and “Bocha” Porta and there was a raffle for a t-shirt among the students who presented works for the exhibit.  The exhibit opened its doors on Sunday too and also provided practical classes to anyone interested.

Officials from Euskaldunak Denak Bat also recalled that “during 1989, the cultural actions of Euskaldunak Denat Bat were also increased.  Professor Teresa de Zavaleta, disciple of Mr. Lucio Echaniz, besides creating the “Ugarritzak” dancers, also began teaching classes in the history of Euskal Herria and Basque; at the same time, Potxolo Loyola taught txistu.

“All of this cultural activity accelerated work on the adjoining building.  So on September 28, 1991, under the presidency of Alicia Azarola de Autuori, the facilities of the Eusko Kultur Etxea and the Library named after Lucio de Echaniz, were inaugurated.  Currently the EKE is the site for Basque and dance classes, as well as various activities including the children’s choir, the adult choir “Iruki Alaiak,” and workshops on recreational and free singing for adults, Basque film screenings, book presentations, musical shows and any other cultural activity.  The library, also holds more than 2,000 book and is growing annually,” sources explained.