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The Feast of Patagonian Sovereignty is one of the largest celebrations in the Viedma and Patagones region, not just because of its significance but also because it involves many institutions in both cities that come together to celebrate.  The Basque community participates annually in the event, thanks to the local Beti Aurrera Aberri Etxea Basque club. 

Carmen de Patagones, Argentina.  The 2015 Feast of Patagonian Sovereignty took place on March 3-8, and gathered renowned artists, including Soledad Pastorutti and Abel Pintos.  The event, nevertheless, aims to commemorate the victory of the locals during the onslaught of Brazilian troops in 1827.

This is why the Basque teacher at Berri Aurrera Aberri Etxea, Rocio Basterra, wrote the following lines on the occasion of the anniversary:

“The Viedma-Patagones region was the first settlement in Patagonia as well as being the government seat for many years.  In 1827, the locals fought with all they had against the Brazilian offensive that attacked the area in hopes of taking possession of Patagonia.  The natural characteristics, the river and the climate, well-known by the locals, were the key of their victory against the Brazilian, even though they were more sophisticated, they couldn’t endure the temperature or the strong currents.”

“So for them, March 7 is celebrated as the Feast of the Patagonian Sovereignty, where groups and communities of both towns participate.  This year, not being the exception, the Basque community of the historic capital of Patagonia participated in the traditional parade.  There they were represented by youth, children and adults dressed as fishermen, gudaris, spinners and Basque farmers, above all showing the idiosyncrasies of the working class that has always been our people.”

Inauguration of the new clubhouse

Along with this news, the club also reminded us of the inauguration of its new clubhouse that has been completely remodeled and is ready to use, on March 27 and 28.  On Friday, at 6:30 the Delegate of Euskadi, Sara Pagola, will give a talk entitled, “Euskadi Today and the Action of the Basque Government Abroad,” at the Legislative Library of the Province of Rio Negro.  On March 28 at 10:30am, there will be a ribbon cutting and blessing of the new facilities.