euskalkultura.eus

La Plata, Argentina.  The events and celebrations surrounding the International Day of the Woman usually have two goals: to claim equal rights; and make the contributions that women make in their communities visible, as they are not often duly recognized.

The proposal from the Directorate of Foreign Entities and Communities of the capital city of the province of Buenos Aires just completed the second point by honoring outstanding women in the city.  This year the Basque community will have a personality among those being awarded, more specifically in Mari Lazcano de Aramayo, who is being honored posthumously as an Outstanding Woman in the Community.

“From the Basque club’s board, and having recently celebrated 100 years since her birth, we think that it was a good moment to hold the tribute and recognize what she did for the La Plata community,” said the representative for the Basque Club Maria Fernanda Astigarraga, 

“Mari came to the country with her husband Antonio Aramayo and her children Joseba and Iñaki, pregnant with Bety in the beginning of 1948.  The original idea was to settle in Mar del Plata, but destiny lead them to the Basque club in La Plata.  Mari set herself apart for her cooking – her dishes were everyone’s favorites – and for her other passion, playing cards, mus and canasta.  She was voted 'Mayor' of the club in the 80s and in 1986 was part of the Board of Directors in various capacities and became a vital member.  It is also important to highlight her active participation in favor of the community and not limited to the local club, but her presence was also important for other Basque communities in the country.  She passed away on July 19, 2003,” said Astigarraga, who is also responsible for the Matxin Burdin Library of La Plata.

The awards ceremony for Outstanding Women will be held on March 10^th in the Dorado Hall of the Municipal Palace (calle12 between 51 and 53) at 19:00.  Mari’s children will receive the honor on her behalf accompanied by other family members as well as members of the club.

2014 Activities

On the other hand, the hosts of the 2014 Semana Vasca let us know about other activities that will take place at the club throughout the year.  The schedule follows:

-Women’s Hockey, Tuesday 6pm
-Children’s soccer: Monday at 5:30pm
-Pelota/paleta – TBA
-Soccer for the blind: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-4pm
-Men’s gymnastics: Thursday from 9-10pm
-Adult dancers – Saturdays at 7:30pm
-Children’s dancing: Saturdays at 5pm starting on 3/15
-Intermediate dancing: Saturdays at 5pm starting on 3/15
-“Zaharrak” dance – TBA
-Choir: Wednesday 7pm
-Euskera classes will resume in April
-The library is open to the public on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5-9pm

For more information or to enroll, contact the club’s secretary on Friday from 5-9pm or by phone (457-1638) or via email: secretaria@cvascolaplata.org.ar. The club is also on Facebook under the name Centro Vasco Euzko Etxea La Plata.