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This Saturday, October 8, the Eusko Etxea will be busy with the fourth edition of Gayaldi, a festival that celebrates and upholds diversity in all areas, and Maritxu Kajoi, a local festival that originated in Arrasate, Gipuzkoa.  One of the characteristics of Maritxu Kajoi, which was created as a joke, is that attendees should dress elegantly and formally, even though the spirit of the event is much more irreverent. 

New York, NY.   The Euzko Etxea of New York is getting ready for a busy weekend, with the celebration of the combined celebration of Gayaldi and Maritxu Kajoi.  Gayaldi is, according to organizers as celebration of diversity and plurality in all areas.  “It isn’t just the vindication of the rights of gays and lesbians, but also those of women, and of various races….We believe that regardless of where your parents were born, you can join in and be Basque.  The goal is to be all inclusive,” they explain.

Along with this festival, the Basque club will also celebrate Maritxu Kajoi, coinciding also with the festival of the txikiteros, created in Arrasate, Gipuzkoa in 1977.  The name comes from an image of the virgin that is behind the church of St. John the Baptist that is protected by a box, thus Maritxu Kajoi.  The tradition is that participants dress very elegantly, although the festivities are not at all serious, or formal.

In this festive spirit, the Euzko Etxea invites everyone attending to dress up, and enjoy the fun.

More information on their website: Euzko Etxea.