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Jose C. Paz, Argentina.  The Delegate of Euskadi in Argentina and Mercosur, Sara Pagola, began visiting Argentinean Basque clubs near the capital.  Invited by the Toki Eder club, Pagola participated in a day full of activities which included her presenting the objectives of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Urkullu government which included an interesting back and forth with those present.

Pagola was welcomed by the club’s board of directors and after touring the facilities she gave a talk entitled, “Internationalization Strategy of today’s Basque Government and Euskadi.”  A large group of authorities gathered at the Toki Eder to listen to the Government representative, among whom was the city’s Director of Culture, Carlos Narvaez.

[Maria Angeles Oñederra of Toki Eder welcomed Sara Pagola (seated in front of the microphone).  At her right, club President Lidia Lechardoy (photo EE)]

Also participating in the talk and the subsequent dialogue was the Director and head of the city’s Community Action, the director of schools, the president of the Sarmiento Japanese Association, members of the Historic Museum Jose Altube, family and founders of Jose C. Paz (Jose Vicente Altube from Oñati) and Victor Zalazar, Director of the School of Languages and Training # 402, where Toki Eder taught Basque for the first time, outside of the Basque club.

The guest list is extensive but it is worth mentioning the representatives from the Eusko Aterpea in Gral. Rodriguez, consistent participants in Basque club celebrations in the region.  Also present was the treasurer of the Cultural Center of Ukrain, reference for Centers who receive social aid, dantzaris and Basque students.  After her talk, the delegate was interviewed by a local journalist for “Aqui la Noticia” and ended by responding to questions from club president Lidia Lucia Lechardoy.

Gernika and Aberri Eguna

Following the program for May 18th, after Pagola’s talk everyone proceeded to the inauguration of the exhibit, “Bombing of Gernika – 75^th Anniversary.”  The traveling exhibit, supported by the Secretary General of Foreign Affairs of the Basque Government, the Etxepare Institute, and the Foundation of the Museum of Peace in Gernika, will be shown in the main room of Toki Eder until May 28, the day that the exhibit will close with a screening of the documentary, “Zerutik Sua Dator” (It’s Raining Fire).

[Hosting group “Gure Talde Alai,” performed Kuadrille and Fandango to those present (photo EE)]

As part of the visit of the Delegate of Euskadi to Jose C. Paz, there was a symbolic commemoration of the Day of the Basque Homeland.  Club president said a few worlds alluding to Aberri Eguna, illustrating the meaning of the date for all Basques.  Subsequently, the host group “Gure Talde Alai” performed Kuadrille and Fandango followed by dinner that included pintxos, grilled sardines and sandwiches.  “Our hearts quickened, celebrating, once again, such a special date,” club representatives told EuskalKultura.com.