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After months of preparations, the moment finally arrived for the first Basque Fest in the city of New London, CT, organized by the New England Basque Club.  On Friday, the warm up activity was a trikipoteo, the first in the history of New London.  We arrived that morning, came upon club members working on the last preparations.  That afternoon, we enjoyed the great atmosphere and the successful trikipoteo.  Video and images.

New London, CT.  People arrived from all over the US on Friday afternoon to participate in the Basque Fest, some of which were on time to enjoy the trikipoteo announced as part of Friday’s program. Also arriving just in time, were trikitilaris provided for the event by the Provincial Government of Gipuzkoa led by Iker Goiria, Director of Foreign Action.

The trikipoteo was a success.  There wasn’t action from bar to bar, but those who participated were not disappointed by the musical portion.  There aren’t many opportunities to sing traditional songs in Basque, and fewer accompanied by professional trikitilaris, so those who attended jumped in with much feeling and enthusiasm.  

Here are some images and videos from the day.  On Monday there will be a summary of Saturday’s activities.  This will serve as an appetizer.

On Friday morning, we found club volunteers putting the final touches on in the kitchen. From left to right: Raul Blanco Basterretxea from Mutriku, Boni Guenechea from Gernika, Juan Urquidi Alcibararrichuluaga, from Barinaga-Markina and Luis Aizpiri Arrillaga from Ondarroa (photo EuskalKultura.com)

The Trikipoteo took place on Friday thanks to the music of the trikitilaris provided for the event by the Provincial Government of Gipuzkoa (photoEuskalKultura.com)

Basques singing and Americans enjoying themselves listening to them (photoEuskalKultura.com) 

Videos:

Boga boga. For not having practiced, it wasn’t too bad (image EuskalKultura.com)

Xalbadorren heriotzean, a slower and then a faster version. Aupa New England Basque Club! (image EuskalKultura.com)