Astero
Elko Celebration Recap, Colorado Basque Club Picnic, and Elkar Song of the Month
Recap of Elko Festivities
From July 5 - 7th Basques from all over the world gathered in Elko, to celebrate not only the 50th Anniversary of the National Basque Festival but also NABO's annual convention. As we know Basques work hard but also play hard and the festivities were a good mix of both.
On July 4th a regional meeting took place with Asier Vallejo, the Basque Government's Director of Basque Communities Abroad in attendance with technicians Andoni Martin, Benan Orregi along with Miren Perez Egireun from the Basque government office in Boise in attendance.
The NABO meeting took place on Friday the 5th with over 30 clubs being represented. Ander Caballero, Delegate of Euskadi to the US and Canada was also present.
The NABO Junior Mus tournament took place at the Euskal Etxea. Chino players Kaiet and Matthew took first place, Devun and Christian from Las Vegas took the second place trophies.
After the meeting the official festival kick-off took place at the Fronton featuring pilota, dance, vendors and the ever-popular NABO Txerriki contest.
Winners in the three categories of chorizo, lukainka and tripota were: Susan Gavica of Winnemucca, Valerie Arrechea of San Francisco, and the Basque Club of Utah respectively – Zorionak!
Saturday began with a parade featuring dance groups from seven NABO clubs along with many other local floats. The parade ended at the fairgrounds where folks were treated to more dance, sports exhibitions, food and drink, and a chance to browse through the various vendor booths. Saturday evening Amuma Says No entertained the crowd at the Euskal Etxea.
Sunday began with mass followed by the awarding of NABO's Bizi Emankorra, or lifetime achievement awards, to Bob Goicoechea and Jim Ithurralde. Both of these men were instrumental in the early days of NABO, and then continued to contribute to their local Basque communities as well as anywhere else where their help was needed. Zorionak Bob and Jim!
After a wonderful BBQ lunch, the crowd was again entertained by several Basque dance groups, when little by little folks started their way back home. Zorionak to all of the organizers, volunteers, dancers, musicians, emcees, and spectators who made this event a memorable one! Biba zuek!
Colorado Basque Club
We also want to let you know that our friends at the Colorado Basque Club have extended an invitation to join them at their annual picnic on August 17th at Lion's Park in Golden, CO. featuring the Utah'ko Triskalariak dancers. For more information please see the club's website.
Elkar Song for July
The July song of the month is by Imuntzo and Beloki from their album Goza-Goza Suabessito and is entitled, Sorgindu. If you would like to download it, or learn more about the song or the group, click here.
