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The Euskal Txokoa Basque club in San Martin de los Andes, in the Neuquen province of Argentina, was part of the civil/military parade that took place last Wednesday, February 4th, on the 117th anniversary of the city’s foundation. It was a successful debut for the young Basque club, at a largely-attended event. 

San Martin de los Andes, Argentina. Located on the mountain range, San Martin de los Andes is fundamentally a touristic place, in winter due to its ski slopes, and in summer due to activities that the Lacar Lake provides.

Since last year, the city also has another initiative.  Supported by a group of Basque descendants in town, the Euskal Txokoa is up and running and is beginning to be noticed in various activities in the city with much enthusiasm.  Proof of this is for example, its participation last Wednesday, for the first time, with a large number of members, in the city’s anniversary parade.

Monthly meetings

In respect to meetings organized by the club, the first of 2015 was held on January 25 and was attended by a visitor that filled those present with emotion.  One of the new members of the Euskal Txokoa brought her mother, Maria Esther Echeveste, to share lunch and to spend the afternoon in a “good Basque” ambience.  During the meal, Mrs. Echeveste presented the club with two of the most valued symbols among the Basques; an ikurriña and a leaf from the Tree of Gernika.  “Maria Esther traveled nearly 1,600 kms. from Buenos Aires to deliver the gifts.  And not only that, she also urged us to be honest, tough and good people to represent our Basque people,” Manuel Bustingorry explained to EuskalKultura.com.  In addition to the gifts, Maria Esther also sang the verses of Gernikako Arbola.  Video here.