euskalkultura.eus

La Plata, Argentina.  More and more people are going to Basque clubs to get acquainted with “one of the oldest languages of Europe.” Now, the next step is for Euskera to come out of the clubs to become more recognized and visible.  Basque institutions are also working for this via lecturers that have come to the university world in several countries.  This is the case of the Basque culture and language lecturer at the National University of La Plata.  Following, International Day of Euskera activities in Argentina and Uruguay, including those by aforementioned lecturer.

[The Basque language and culture lecturer at the National University in La Plata celebrated on December 3rd giving two talks, “Euskera and the UNLP”, by Professor Cesar Arrondo and “Basque Survival,” by Idurre Lekuona.  After the talks, students and friends posed for a photo, and later had a drink together (photoIrakurletza)]

[Basque groups at the Euzko Etxea in La Plata celebrated, following tradition: with a 'mateada' under the Tree of Gernika in the Plaza San Martin.  The event was very well received including by the local newspaper that published a note about the event.  See it here (photoEE)]

[Basque students from El Hoyo in Patagonia, made their own logo.  The group has come together and has made it through the year, despite the weather and the distances that some students have to travel to class.  To celebrate Euskera Day, the students, along with their teachers, shared a BBQ in the mountains where they also flew the ikurriña.  Looking to the future, the project continues.  In the words of the teacher, Nuria Vilalta, “our Basque and culture classes have been very well received so far, and it seems like there are more interested people as well.  That is why we are considering the possibility of having classes at El Bolson in hopes that more people will be able to participate.” (photoEE)]

[Clubs in Montevideo, Uruguay, also joined in the celebrations of ENE. The Euskaro center, for example, had a party in honor of St. Francis Xavier on Sunday December 1^st.  The party had great atmosphere and was attended by Mr. Baldomero Anso who made everyone sing and dance with his accordion.  Club president, Lucia Goñi thanked everyone for their help during the year and Juan Pedro Arin explained the significance of the Euskera Day and read a poem (photoEE)]

[From the capital of Uruguay, the Euskal Erria Basque club sent us photos of its events.  There people involved with the Basque language organized a pintxo-pote where there were games in Basque (with words and cards) and the reason for the explanation was explained. In addition pamphlets from HABE were passed out inviting anyone interested to enroll for the next year (photoEE)]

[At Gure Ametza in Rio Cuarto, there is a 'tavern' organized every month, but December’s is special because it is the one for Euskera Day.  The get-together this year took place on December 7th with students, professors, cooks and musicians.  In addition, as part of the event, diplomas were presented to founding members (photoEE)]

[The end of the year party and Euskera Day at the Itxaropen club in Saladillo has also become a classic.  As usual, there are raffles during dinner for trips to the Basque Country (or its equivalent in cash, $22,000). This year the happy winner was Adriana Trellini with number 175.  Second and third places went to Barbara Ugartemendia ($4,000) and Susana Labere ($2,000) respectively.  During the toast, club president Nora Idoeta, told everyone that it had been a very productive year especially for the progress made in the construction of the clubhouse and by activities that had been carried out including the National Mus Championship.  The club also welcomed Delegate Sara Pagola last November 19th.  During her stay, Pagola visited the helicopter factory Cicare that is represented in Europe by two Basques, Aratz arregi and Ugaitz Iturbe (photoEE)]

[The organizers of the first Euskara Munduan barnetegi for 2013-2016, also celebrated Euskara Eguna.  The Euskal Etxea in San Nicolas held an event on December 7th that brought together the choir, cooks, Basque students and teachers and friends of the club in general.  One of the most important moments was the showing of a video made by the Euskara taldea.  See it here (photoEE)]