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Pau, France.  The event was organized by a group of parent members of Lagunt eta Maita, and by the faces of the 24 participating children, it was a great success.  The first visit by the Olentzero to the new clubhouse took place on December 17th.

The party room, where everyone congregated, was decorated for Christmas and even included a Christmas tree that was decorated by pictures and ornaments made by the children while they waited for the Olentzero to arrive.  Teacher Laura also took advantage of this time to tell the children the legend of the Olentzero, the mythical Basque coal maker that announces the coming of Christmas and Pantxoa also taught them some Christmas carols in Basque.

[Boys and girls of Pau’s Euskal Etxea with their teacher waiting for the Olentzero (photo PauEE)]

The most exciting moment of the day, without a doubt, was the arrival of the Olentzero.  This Basque genius was played by member Andre Recalt, sources told us that “since he is a born comedian he took no time at all to get into character.”  He wasn’t missing a thing: the black beard, the sheepskin, abarcas and of course a sack full of presents.

Event organizers asked that each child attending bring a present.  Before the party began all the presents were put in a box together and afterwards the Olentzero passed them out.  The children were delighted with the presents and the excitement of the day, and the parents, were proud to have given their children the chance to get to know and enjoy one of the most exciting traditions in the Basque culture.  We’re sure that the Olentzero will visit again next year!