In conjunction with the San Francisco Basque Cultural Center's 25th anniversary celebration, NABO held its annual Winter meeting that featured some new initiatives including the visit of the President of FEVA (the NABO parallel in Argentina) pictured above with NABO President Mary Gaztambide. 

One theme of the February Basque weekend in San Francisco was "work hard & play hard."  There is no doubt that the events required a huge amount of hard work; e.g., it isn't very easy accommodating 900 people for a meal!  It was another impressive festival put on by our Basque friends in the Bay area.  Thanks to their efforts across these last 25 years, we all had something to celebrate together.  To them we say Zorionak (congratulations) and esker anitz (many thanks).  May you now have another great 25 years down the road!

NABO was also busy that weekend.  Following up on some of the points from the 2006 Fall Meeting: Gardnerville, NV delegates were informed about some new initiatives going forward including the debut of NABO's Kantuketan Exhibit and the new NABO program Gaztealdi for Basque young adults.  Delegates also heard from representatives from the Basque Government; the invited President of FEVA provided an overview of what this very active Basque community is doing in Argentina; and a cultural tour opportunity Basque-Eusk was shown delegates as well as video clip about commemorating the bombing of Gernika 70 years ago.  Furthermore delegates also selected our representatives to the upcoming International Basque Congress this July for which NABO is preparing a Four year plan to help focus our efforts to more effectively promote our shared Basque heritage.

Three other notable NABO items apart from the meeting included the presentation of NABO's Bizi Emankorra lifetime contribution awards; a special forum was offered where Miren Azkarate presented Bake Bideetan about the current status of the peace process in the Basque Country; and almost all of our Euskara teachers gathered for a workshop in commemoration of Euskararen Eguna.

These are just some of the things that NABO was engaged in over the weekend.  Each NABO organization was provided a folder to collect the various items presented, and the request was made that this be made available to the members of each organization, so inquire from your NABO delegates.  What follows now is a flashback of moments from the weekend.  Once again, thanks to those who traveled to participate and thanks to our Basque Bay area friends for having us.  Also thanks to Joseba Etxarri, Toni Sabarots & Phillipe Acheritogaray for the photographs!

                
         
          Pantxoa Etxegoin (President of the Euskal Kultur Erakundea of the Iparralde) joins in the inauguration of NABO's Kantuketan song exhibit at San Francisco that presently on display at the Boise Basque Museum and Cultural Center.

       
         
         The NABO meeting spanned most of the day on Friday, with both morning and afternoon sessions as delegates covered a wide list of issues.  Each member organization was provided with a folder to collect information to make available to their members.
 

        
           NABO President Mary Gaztambide & Minister of Culture for the Basque Government Miren Azkarate  sign a mutual accord to continue their joint efforts to promote Euskara.  Also pictured is Josu Legarreta who is the Basque Government's director of relations with the Diapora.  The weekend also served as the annual celebration of Euskararen Eguna highlighted by a teacher's workshop. 
 

       Accepting an invitation to speak about the current status of the peace process in the Basque Country, Miren Azkarate (Minister of Culture & Spokesperson for the Basque Governemnt) presented an English powerpoint presentation available at Bake Bideetan
 

        
          One of the quest speakers at the meeting included Mari Luz Aretche, President of the Federation of Basque Entities of Argentina (FEVA) which consists of 90+ organizations making it the largest Basque community outside of the Basque country.  She gave an English powerpoint available here at FEVA Projects.

     Dancers perform a tribute to NABO's recipients of Bizi Emankorra or life-time contribution award to Pierre Etcharren, Grace Mainvil & Aita Cachenaut who were honored following the mass on Sunday.
 

          
         At the meeting NABO delegates selected our representatives to the International Basque Congress in Bilbao this year at the Euskalduna Special Events Center (pictured) where NABO will be presenting its Four year plan

But it wasn't all work, as there was plenty of fun for all with the SF festivities. . .

       The festivities included a performance of the "Kabalkada" or suite of dances from the province of Nafarroa-Beherea by the dancers of San Francisco.
 

      Visiting entertainers included this group of performers (singers, dancers & musicians) from the Basque region of Zuberoa.

       The week's celebration of the 25th anniversary of the San Francisco Basque Cultural Center began with a ceremony and flag raising at the City Hall of South San Francisco.
 

         America's Bertsolari (improvisers of Basque verse) performed during the festivities to the delight of the crowds.  L-r: Martin Goicoehcea, Gratien Alfaro, Jesus Goni & Johnny Curutchet.
 

       Twenty-five years ago Aita Cachenaut was the Basque-American chaplain when the Cultural Center was inaugurated and he returned for the anniversary to join with the current chaplain Aita Tillous.





         The San Francisco Basque community threw itself into the 25th anniversary celebartion as the Klika was out in great form with impressive numbers, including three makilariak, that left quite an impression on the audience.
 

         The weekend's events drew various dignitaries including (l-r) Ricahrd Garbarino,  mayor of South San Francisco; Miren Azkarate, Minister of Culture for the Basque Government of Euskadi; and John Garamendi, Lt. Governor of California.

San Francisco performers

A meal for 900!