Astero
2010 Udazkena Bestak:Fall Basque Festivals
Basqueness is not easy to sustain; it takes quite a commitment on the part of some to keep this thing going. This month of October that commitment was seen going strong first in Rocklin then Las Vegas.
A lot of things have to come together to make for a successful Basque festival: volunteer workers, plenty to eat and drink, a good turn-out, some snappy entertainment and yes, oftentimes cooperating weather.
Such was the case this month with the Basque club gatherings in Rocklin, CA & Las Vegas, NV. But what distinguished each of these festivals was that they gave us renewed hope that Basqueness will endure. These clubs are not unique--there are many that are going strong--but they are good examples that we have a positive future ahead of us. First in Rocklin we saw a new generation of American born Basques step up to put on a great day of festivities; then in Las Vegas they re-started their annual festival.
Moments from Lincoln, CA: 2010 Kantari Eguna & Festival
NABO's Marisa Espinal (Secretary), Valerie Arrechea (President) & Mary Gaztambide (VP). NABO has tri-annual meetings
The Iparreko Ibarra ("Northern Valley") Basque Club based in Rocklin (though this city is the go-to name, not all members live in that town; the festival itself was is the nearby town of Lincoln) hosted NABO's annual Kantari Eguna ("Day of the Singer") and Fall meeting of delegates in conjunction with their annual festival. You'll see some photos from the event below, but to focus on the issue of the commitment shown, it was in the emergence of a new generation of workers.
NABO delegates during the meeting; they were hosted to a fine meeting by Rocklin.
Most all of our Basque clubs were founded by the immigrant generation, who worked hard to make things happen. That is what distinguishes the club in Rocklin: most of their members are transplanted Basques from the Bay area, who were born in this country. They are now the parents of a new generation of kids, and that is what made this festival shine: here was a new generation of Basques stepping up to create what their parents and grandparents had given them. Rocklin is a new club (founded in 2005 and joining with NABO the following year) and the new generation making it work gives us hope that Basqueness can indeed thrive!
Invited guest singers to this year's Kantari Eguna were Mikel Markez (2nd from right) & Erramun Martikorena (singing).
Everyone got a chance to dance when the Jean Flesher Band started up the music.
Zorionak! Congratulations to the Basque club of Iparreko Ibarra
Moments from Las Vegas, NV: 2010 Basque Festival
Festival location: an impressive backdrop at the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.
The Lagun Onak ("Good Friends") Basque club of Las Vegas also saw the re-emergence of a commitment. A few years ago, a long-time member and worker died just a few days before their annual festival in Las Vegas. Accordingly, the decision was made to cancel the festival and since then there had been no festival. But the festival returned this year!
The day began with a Catholic Mass
Visiting Basque friends from "Gauden Bat" (Chino, CA) entertained.
We all know that once we sit down when tired, it is hard to get back up again. It was not easy, therefore, to renew the festival in Vegas. But a renewed commitment emerged, and it made for a very nice day. So what does this mean for Basques? Vegas baby!!
Everyone got to eat well that day in Vegas thanks to cooks at work.
Zorionak! Congratulations Las Vegas Basque Club
