euskalkultura.eus

Boise, ID, USA.  The Oinkari Basque Dancers celebrated their second annual Sagardotegi on June 16, and just as last year’s event, it was a complete success that attracted a large number of Boise Basques.  The Oinkaris worked hard on organizing the event that attracted many to enjoy some Basque cider from the traditional barrels, as well as a typical cider house menu.  “This year fewer people attended, 100 instead of 200 like last year, but that allowed us to serve dinner in the basement of the Basque Center and everything turned out great.  The atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly,” explained Lael Uberuaga Oinkari president to EuskalKultura.com.

The menu included either Bacalao Tacos or Bacalao in Piperade as a starter, followed by Bacalao omelet and steak.  For dessert the typical cheese and walnuts was served, and some were even tempted to eat the table decorations “since they were apples,” joked Lael.

[An army of Oinkari waiters helping the chef, Jesus Alcelay, preparing the Bacalao omelet (Photo AnaOvergaard)]

[Plates of cheese and walnuts all in a row, waiting for dessert time (photo AnaOvergaard)]

[Osasuna! Basques and friends enjoying the dinner followed by visits to the txotx and toasts at the table (photo AnaOvergaard)]

[Dan Ansotegui’s trikitixa set the rhythm of the night (photo AnaOvergaard)}

This year the proceeds from the dinner will be split between the Oinkaris and the Basque Studies Program at Boise State University.  On behalf of the university, Program Director Dave Lachiondo, and Professor John Bieter, both prominent members of the local Basque community, collaborated in the organization of the event. 

The Oinkaris will use the proceeds to organize a workshop on Basque dance according to Lael: “We are going to bring Garikoitz Otamendi (from the Arkaitz dance group in Donostia), to teach dances from Gipuzkoa for a week.  Gari will be here for two weeks arriving the weekend before San Inazio and retuning the weekend after.”  San Inazio is one of the main celebrations of the Boise Basque community.

[Oinkari volunteers working as cashiers at the sagardotegi.  Oinkari director, Lael Uberuaga, is at the right, next to Izar Iribarren-Gorrindo Bicandi (photo AnaOvergaard)]

[The team of volunteers that served dinner.  Boise’s youth did a great job and should be very proud.  Bejondaizuela Oinkari! (photo MarieMonasterio)]