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Ontario, OR.  The Saint Michael Festival at the Ontario Basque club included a last minute guest, rain.  The weather which made some parts of the day more difficult, like the procession or the sports competitions, couldn’t dampen the good spirits and will to have a good time of those present.   

Due to the weather conditions, attendance numbers were lower than expected but those who did brave the weather really enjoyed themselves.  The day began with the procession of a statue of the saint accompanied by club dancers.  Later, the dancers performed a dance by Lisa Corcostegui, a new choreography that is exclusive to this US club.

[Ontario Dancers with Luke Barinaga dressed in armor with a sword playing the role of St. Michael (photo OntarioEE)]

Dancers, armed with wooden swords hoisted Luke Barinaga into the air, representing Saint Michael.  The dance, according to Lisa, was inspired by the tradition of the Virgin of Arrate, but it was adapted to the story of Saint Michael.

The day continued with food at the clubhouse with various sports competitions, where boys and girls alike showed their competitive spirit.

[Patty Miller, Director of the Basque Musuem in Boise, on the left and Dan Ansotegui on the accordion entertained during the event (photo OntarioEE)]

[Younger club members enjoyed the rural sports competitions with many participating (photo OntarioEE)]

The festival concluded with a concert by Kalakan as part of the US Basque club tour.  The venue was overflowing at the clubhouse and everyone had a really good time.  Organizers were very satisfied with this, their first edition of the Saint Michael Festival, and trust that next year, weather permitting, the attendance will be much larger.

[Members of Kalakan on stage at the Ontario Basque club (Photo OntarioEE)]

More photos and various videos of Kalakan’s performance can be found on the club’s Facebook page.