2007/IV/27
Basque Festival held in Dublin

Around 90 people attended the evening event of the Euskal Jaia held on the 21st of April, with around 50 attending the afternoon event on the same day. The Euskara language was very much in evidence throughout both events.

Those in attendance on the afternoon bought pintxos, txakoli, patxaran and sidra, all prepared or brought by supporters of the Dublin Irish-Basque Committee, who organised the event. CDs of Basque rock bands were played and there was also a performance by an Albokari (playing a traditional Basque reeded music instrument made with a cow's horn), some traditional dancing and a few songs accompanied by guitar.

Basques, Catalans and some Spanish people were glad to avail of the traditional food, along with Irish and people from other countries who were also interested to learn of and see some of the cultural distinctiveness of the Basque people.

The evening's attendance were entertained by an Irish ballad music band and a further performance of the Alboka (at which a champion Basque dancer performed), along with guessing the weight of a traditional Basque cheese. A basket of traditional Basque food was also raffled. Information was also given on a forthcoming local commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Gernika by the Nazi Condor Legion in support of Franco's Fascists during the Spanish Civil War.

Every person in attendance also received an information leaflet on repression in the Basque Country and signatures were collected in support of the Basque political initiative to solve the conflict through a self-determination voting.

A spokesperson for the Dublin Irish-Basque Committee commented:
"We wanted to celebrate Basque culture and we also needed to raise funds for our activities. This event combined both and the atmosphere was great; it was great to feel that support for the Basque Country and also to see all the people really enjoying themselves. We hope to have further such events throughout the year, as well of course as public meetings and pickets whenever necessary".