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A look back:
Klika 2008
Omenaldia: Klika in America Tribute
The
Kilka tradition is derived from only a handful of
Basque towns of the Iparralde (north side) of the
Basque country. Essentially it is a military
marching band with a unique twist. Reaching back to
the Napoleonic era two centuries ago, young Basques
were drafted into the French army. Their reputation
as noted singers, dancers and musicians made them
almost automatic picks for the military brass band
in their respective units. Upon completing their
military service, many a young Basque had now
learned to play the bugle or drums. In typical
Basque fashion, they took these talents and turned
them into a Basque celebration of music.
Basque-American immigrants re-created this tradition
here in America, specially in California were most
of the Basques derived from the Iparralde. The
Basque clubs of Chino, Kern County (Bakersfield) and
San Francisco each sponsor a klika that performs
annually at their festivals.
Click on
SF Klika
to see them in action (Feb. 2008)
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