ASTERO
2024 NABO Convention
On Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26th the Kern County Basque Club hosted this year’s annual NABO Convention in conjunction with the 80th Anniversary of the Basque club and the 50th Anniversary of its annual festival. The weekend began on Friday, May 24th with the NABO convention meeting held at the Wool Growers Restaurant. The meeting was attended by 36 out of the 41 NABO member clubs either in person, or via Zoom. The meeting was also attended by a delegation from the Basque Government led by Gorka Alvarez, Director of the Basque Community Abroad, and Benan Oregi from the same office, along with Unai Telleria, Delegate of the Basque Country in the United States, accompanied by Nerea Arrieta, Institutional Affairs Officer also from the Delegation. Also in attendance were former FEVA President, Arantxa Anitua, and current FEVA President Asier Iriberri from Argentina. FEVA, or the Federation of Basque Argentinian Entities, is our counterpart in Argentina. What a pleasure, and an honor to have all of them join us.
The main topic of discussion at this meeting was the issue of dues. NABO hasn’t raised club dues for some time and with the increased cost of operating, delegates were presented a proposal to take back to their clubs that will be voted on in September at the fall meeting. Elections are also held annually at this meeting, and with Jean Flesher and Mayi Petracek running unopposed for president and treasurer respectively, they were unanimously reelected. Jean then also appointed Kate Camino as NABO secretary for another term.
After the meeting, everyone made their way to CU Bakersfield’s Dore Theater, for the presentation of NABO’s Al Erquiaga Bizi Emankorra awards. Five individuals were honored at a very moving ceremony, and received their awards from NABO President, Jean Flesher. To read more about their contributions, click here. Zorionak deneri! After the ceremony, Esti Markez played a concert with her group that was enjoyed by all.
Saturday’s festivities began with a cash Mus Tournament at the clubhouse. The event gathered 52 teams vying for bragging rights and the cash prize. NABO Paleta Goma finals also took place Saturday morning with four teams competing. Winners were Christian Jaureguy (Chino Basque Club) and John Falxa (Basque Cultural Center) with Alan Camou and Eric Garat (both Basque Cultural Center) taking second. Other teams competing were Alex Goyenetche (Boise Euzkaldunak) and Tony Huarte (Basque Cultural Center), and Asier Gamboa de Luz (Kern County Basque Club, and Niko Maisterrena Calderon (Chino Basque Club). Zorionak deneri!
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| L to R: Alain Camou, Eric Garat, Tony Huarte, Alex Goyenetche, Christian Jaureguy |
L to R: Niko Maisterrena Calderon (CBC), John Falxa, Asier Gamboa De Luz, Christian Jaureguy |
After lunch, NABO’s Txerriki contest took place. The contest had eight entries among the three categories of Lukainka, Txorizo and Tripota. First place Lukainka and Tripota went to Valerie and Daniel Arrechea with first place Txorizo going to Bernard Etcheverry. Again Zorionak! The afternoon also included pilota matches with pilotaris from Euskadi followed by dinner. After dinner everyone was treated to dance performances by club dancers from Chino, Fresno, San Francisco, and the local Bakersfield club dancers. The evening concluded with a public dance to the music of Glitterfox, and Luhartz, who has become a Bakersfield tradition.
Sunday began with mass celebrated by Aita Antton Egiguren with the participation of the local choir and the California Klika. After mass, lunch was served and the day continued with more dancing, pilota and comradery. The newly established Gateau Basque Contest also took place on Sunday with 24 entries. First place went to Loli Dalia for her dark cherry gateau. Second place went to Sara Ansolabehere Zeigler and Jenny Etcheverry came in at third place. Sunday concluded with another public dance to the sounds of Luhartz. On Monday, the weekend was completed with a Basque Breakfast at the Wool Growers complete with more music by Luhartz. Needless to say, a great time was had by all! On behalf of everyone at NABO, a huge Mila Esker and Zorionak to Louis Iturriria and his team at the Kern County Basque Club! Great job, as always!
Saturday Pilota at Basque Cultural Center
If you missed pilota in Bakersfield, you have another chance to watch at the Basque Cultural Center. The pilotaris from the Basque Country will play an exhibition match on Saturday, June 1st at the Cultural Center beginning at 5pm. The games are free and open to the public. If you were able to RSVP, then you will also enjoy a great dinner following. For complete information, click here.
San Francisco Basque Club Picnic
If you are still in the Bay Area on Sunday, please join the San Francisco Basque Club for its annual picnic, this year at a new venue in Penngrove. The day will begin at 9:45am with mass with the participation of the Elgarrekin Basque Choir, Klika, and dancers. After mass, there will be kids’ games, followed by a BBQ Rack of Lamb Lunch. After lunch, entertainment will be provided by the Zazpiak Bat Klika, Zazpiak Bat Dancers, Los Banos Dancers, and the Zazpiak Bat Gaztea Dancers. For complete information, or to purchase meal tickets, click here.
5/30/2024
