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At 91 years of age, Clelia “Kela” Gorri continues working tirelessly for the Etxe Alai Basque club in Pehuajo.  To this day, she continues to accompany the club in is activities and above all has become a benchmark beyond the city’s Basque community. 

Pehuajo, Argentina.   The Secretary of Culture of the city of Pehuajo, in the province of Buenos Aires, celebrated the International Women’s Day with an event honoring outstanding local women.  From the Etxe Alai Basque club, they announce with great joy and pride Basque women were honored at this event in the person of Clelia Edith Gorri, club member, but most of all “friend, collaborator, and an example of live,” as she is described by Basque club members.

The event took place on March 8 at the Salon Blanco in the city and even if Kela couldn’t attend in person, members of the club and her sister, Hilda Gorri, received the medal on her behalf.

Clelia Gorri Arrese Arguindegui Aramburu

Clelia is better known as “Kela,” and was born in Pehuajo in 1923 in the heart of a Basque family.  She was a teacher who taught in rural schools as well as in schools in Trenque Lauquen and Pehuajo. 

Kela has been an active participant in the local Basque club starting at a Young age, the club that she is still involved with today.  She served in various capacities on the board of directors, including serving as its president.  The club’s incorporation is thanks to her efforts.  She supported the Basque language and was a regular participant at Semana Vascas as she published the following books: Euskaldunak Bai Bai and The Olentzero.

Among her experiences that had the most impact, include a tribute and recognition that she held as the Ambassador of Etxe Alai to Fr. Txomin Jakakortexarena, founder of the Pehuajo Basque club, at the cemetery where the priest is buried in Berastegi, Gipuzkoa.  During the ceremony, that took place in 1999, she hung a commemorative plaque in the presence of local authorities.

Also as part of the Basque club activities, Kela created a yoga group “Akelarre” that she led up until two years ago.  “Today at 91 years of age, we can say that she is a woman of her convictions, who is supportive and firm in her beliefs, respectful, a very hard worker and a fighter for what she believes in, with a sharp mind, that we can refer to when needed,” said a fellow club members.  “Eskerrik asko, Kela,” they concluded at the event that EuskalKultura.com echoes here.