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The Semana Nacional Vasca in Argentina will take place this year from October 26-November 1 in Macachin.  The return of the huge festival to the area after 21 years has generated great enthusiasm in the club as well as some logistic questions.  EuskalKultua.com has spoken with the organizers in hopes of alleviating some doubts: “We have worked hard to organize the event and we are ready to confirm lodging for everyone wishing to participate,” they said. 

Macachin, Argentina.   After some changes for reasons outside of the organizers control, the Semana Nacional Vasca 2015 will take place from October 26-November 1. As a host the Euzko Alkartasuna Basque club has been submerged in planning over several months and after some meetings, they let EuskalKultura.com know about some novelties regarding lodging, the presence of social media and the festival’s logo.  They let us know that prices will be also be announced soon.  

Lodging

The question of lodging is working out as planned.  Marigen Mujica, member of the club explains, “The dance groups will be lodged in schools prepared with beds, like pavilions, and the majority of the older people and chaperones will be lodged with families who have already offered places, as well as in rented or loaned houses.”  “We are doing everything possible so that no one will have to leave Macachin, but nevertheless, if numbers surpass the available spots, we have already worked with neighboring communities (less than 30 minutes away) who also have hostels and other kinds of lodging,” she assures.

On the other hand, some local hotels still had rooms available:

-Hotel Paso del Sur, telephone: +54 2953 452107
-Hotel Copahue, telephone: +54 2954 15 684045
-Hotel Don Quijote, telephone: +54 2953 452554
-Hotel Oasis, telephone: +54 2953 452246 

In regards to the availability of places, from the club they ask that Basque clubs who will participate send the number of attendees as soon as possible to facilitate their task.  They also said that the Hotel Euzko Alkartasuna is already full and so that is why it is not included on the list of available hotels.

Means of Communication

In the era of communication and new technologies, this area also needs to be addressed when organizing an event of this magnitude.  That is why the Basque club in Macachin has opened a Facebook account called Asociación Unión Baska “Euzko Alkartasuna”  where besides providing information on the event, they also provide information on the club and the town.

The Semana Vasca 2015 can also be followed on Twitter at: @SNVasca2015 which will be available starting next week.  They also have an email address for questions and concerns: centrovascoea@gmail.com; and an Instagram account and a blog will be activated closer to the date.

Message from Eusko Alkartasuna

It has been more than two decades since the last time Macachin hosted Semana Vasca in 1994 together Macachin and Santa Rosa, and ten years before Macachin hosted it on its own, so club members are aware of the challenge that lies ahead.  They are sure that they are preparing a week that everyone will enjoy, not just because of the work done in the club, but also because the entire community is backing them.

“The difference between other cities where the festivals only take place at the club and a small circle of relatives, in Macachin the entire town is working hard getting ready for their guests. We want everyone to know that Macachin is present and is still alive despite the number of bad events and hard times for the institutions, but we still fight and will achieve a Semana Vasca that everyone will enjoy, it will be a battle won for us,” Mujica said.

The countdown is underway and all eyes are on the small village in the Pampa.  “Let the Basque clubs prepare their drums, txistus, players of pelota, bocce, paddle and tennis, since all the facilities will be at the disposition of everyone attending,” invite the enthusiastic organizers of  2015 Semana Nacional Vasca in Macachin.