euskalkultura.eus

Mexico City, Mexico.  The 10^th Anniversary celebration of the Vascosmexico group left a good taste in the mouths of those in attendance who got together last Saturday at the Alaia Restaurant managed by Alberto Ituarte. The gathering served to celebrate the first ten years of life of this community that was created as a list serve and then grew into a website and finally into an association.  Along the way there were difficulties, including times when the group’s future was in danger, but they have overcome all obstacles till now, thanks to the collaboration of its members and the dedication of its founder Jaione Arrieta Galarraga.  Saturday’s event became a celebration of these 10 years, and the first step towards many, many more.

The party began at 6pm and, according to Jaione Arrieta, most were right in time, in spite of a huge storm that made getting there difficult.  In a few minutes the room at the Alaia was full “with friends who have been with us for 10 years, some from the beginning and others later, but all cherished.  Some of us met for the first time in person there, and it was very emotional, truly everyone had a great time,” explained the group’s founder.

[Diners at one of the tables in the restaurant before the party started (photoVascosmexico)]

[More party-goers at the event (photoVascosmexico)]

After greetings, dinner started at 9pm with a menu created by Chef Alberto Ituarte, and continued with a entertainment provided by Xabier Errasti and his accordion.  Miren Aguirre also toured the room with a microphone in her hand encouraging folks to sing.  “We have some very good soloist, like the Ormaecheas, Julen Ruiz de Azua and others not so much, but at least they sang with gusto,” said Jaione Arrieta.  After singing the dance music began and the majority of those in attendance showed off their own style of dancing until dawn.

[Xabier Errasti entertained with his accordion (photoVascosmexico)]

[Miren Aguirre toured the tables with a microphone encouraging everyone to sing along with the accordion (photoVascosmexico)]

More photos available on the group’s gallery after registering for free.