Astero

EuskarAbentura Cancels 2020 Edition

After looking at various options, organizers of EuskarAbentura, the expedition that provides the opportunity for youth between the ages of 16 and 17 to discover the Basque Country on foot, has decided to cancel its 2020 edition. They were in full preparation for this year’s event having received 321 applications from youth all over the Basque Country, and two from the Diaspora, and in the process of choosing the top 120 applications when it became clear that it would not be possible to carry out the expedition this year. “The biggest force of the expedition is the relationship and closeness among the participants. Emotional closeness as well as physical are often inseparable,” they concluded thus making this year’s trek impossible. In an effort to recognize the effort by many participants this year, they have decided to retain the applications from youth born in 2004 for next year. They still need to determine how this change would affect the expedition but will be in touch with all of this year’s applicants to keep them informed of any decisions made. For more information on this extraordinary program, please visit their website.

Basque Government Grant Updates

Eusko Jaurlaritza has reached out with some updates on their various grant programs administered through its Department of the Basque Community Abroad, some of which have been put on hold due to the pandemic. The application period for individuals in situations of dire need in the Basque Diaspora has now been opened and will run from June 1-July 1, 2020. These grants are awarded to Basque clubs, not individuals, and so interested persons would need to apply through their Basque club, or the one in their vicinity. As the deadline for Basque club and federation grants was February 28, 2020, they are now asking all entities who applied to review those applications and asking for transparency in light of the cancellation of many activities due to the Coronavirus. Please make them aware of any adjustments in these requests ASAP. The 2020 Gaztemundu Program has yet to be published in the Official Bulletin of the Basque Country, and so more information on when those applications will become available depends on it publication date in the bulletin. A copy of the communication is available here.

Film of the Month: Xalbador: Izana eta Izena

The June movie of the month from NABO’s Filmategia is Xalbador: Izana eta Izena directed by Eneko Dorronsoro. This 2014 film tells the story of Xalbador renowned Bertsolari and myth in the Basque Country. “A poet shepherd who would sing to his flock. So great that he was able to convert whistles into applause. So profound that death chose to take him on the very day of the homage to his person. Fernando Aire Etxart "Xalbador" (1920 - 1976) his four children brought us closer to him.” To see a trailer of the film, click here, or to find out about more film offerings click on the Filmategi’s catalogue.