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Following tradition, the Urrundik Association in Parana and the radio program “Presencia Vasca” celebrated their birthdays together.  This year, besides the classic lunch, the Basque club also organized a special activity to celebrate with the children.  Among its coming activities, the club has announced that it will participate in San Fermin at Zazpirak Bat in Rosario and the Dance Evening at the Theater 3rd of February, on September 18. 

Parana, Argentina.   The Urrundik Association an the radio program “Presencia Vasca” in Parana celebrated their 16th and 26th anniversaries respectively.  The festivities took place on May 15 at the hall at the Circulo Hotel and was attended by a large number of guests, including representatives of communities, the president of the Union of Collectivities of Parana, local folkloric artists, and the Commission of the Festival of Immigrants from San Benito.

One of the most significant attendees was Mikel Ezkerro, a longtime friend and collaborator of the club as well as the program.  In the words of Juan Carlos Borras, Urrundik’s president, “we can’t wait every year for Mikel Ezkerro’s presentation at the lunch, with his words that move everyone present, and who also applaud him warmly.”

After the meal, the artistic show was up to the Urrundik dancers, and the folkloric dancing pair Yanaina Figueroa and Diego Abard, as well as singer, Lorena Cura. Basque song was also present thanks to Mirna Donda.

Birthday for the children

Besides the traditional lunch the goal this year was for the children in the club to also enjoy the anniversary.  That is why Urrundik organized another event just for the children.  This party took place on June 3 and included song, music and games thanks to members of the children’s entertainment committee that were invited for the occasion.

In the afternoon, the children had a snack and all got a present from their hosts.  To conclude the festivities, children and their families, and club representatives gathered for a kalejira.  “The children’s joy was contagious and so everyone had a wonderful day,” Borras said.

Dance workshop

Having become a reference in the area for Basque culture and dance, the Urrundik dancers hope to improve every day.  That is why they organized a dance workshop led by renowned local classical dancer, Luz Bergamasch.  Ais Borras told EuskalKultura.com, “we think that knowing Basque dance isn’t’ enough to be good dancers.  You also have to work on dance technique, that later will be applied to Basque dance.  We held the workshop with this goal in mind and were very satisfied with the results.  We would like to thank Luz Bergamaschi for her generous collaboration.”

Full Calendar

The dantzaris at Urrundik also have several commitments over the coming months and are getting ready for them.  On July 9, they will participate in the San Fermin celebration at the Zazpirak Bat in Rosario.  In August, they will be part of the Community Festival in Santa Fe.  On September 18 they will attend the big dance evening at the Theater 3rd of February in Parana and in November, besides Semana Vasca, they will also perform in the Community Festival in San Benito.  “These are only some of our commitment, and some more always come up.”  “I need to say that our dance group is very sought after, and we always try and comply when we can,” Juan Carlos Borras said.