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Two youth from the Basque Country, who traveled to Villa Maria especially to participate in the exchange, are in charge of the activities.  For two weeks, the two Basques have taught classes in music, dance, Euskera and gastronomy to members of the Euzko Etxea that is celebrating its 70^th anniversary this year.  To conclude the program, the locals will celebrate San Fermin on July 16^th.  

Villa Maria, Argentina.   As part of the 70th anniversary activities, the Euzko Etxea in Villa Maria has put a new program in place “Anima Zaitez: Euskal Kultural Zabaltzen,” a proposal that follows the model in Necochea called Hator Hona that allows Basque youth to come to a Basque club in Argentina to share their knowledge of the Basque culture with the local Basque community.

Two youth from the Basque Country will arrive today in Villa Maria to begin teaching classes on Saturday.  The individuals chose were dantzaris and musicians Garazi Urbieta Mendizabal from Legazpi and Arantzazu Zabala Zarate, from Derio.  The two will teach classes on dance, txistu, pander and will also participate in the Euskera gatherings, and teach gastronomy workshops and also give a talk on traditional costumes.

As Florencia Deniz, club teacher and main supporter of the program told EuskalKultura.com, “Since our club is celebrating its 70^th anniversary this year, we wanted to do something special and after talking to the dantzaris in Necochea, the idea of creating something similar to “Hator Hona,” came up.  That is how we sent out the call and we received responses right away.  The goal is to connect the Basque club with the Basque Country from a current perspective, to update us in terms of culture and what happens now and beyond, as well as strengthen ties of friendship.”

The activities will take place from July 2-17, at the clubhouse (Lisandro de la Torre 33, here is the program.) The end of the first edition of “Anima Zaitez” will coincide with the club’s San Fermin celebration on July 16.  At the event, club members can show off what they have learned over the two weeks of the exchange.  “On July 17 we will have a farewell event for Garazi and Arantzazu who will take a few days to tour the country on their own,” Florencia said.

More information is available at the Euzko Etxea from 17:00- 21:00hs by calling: 4534400.