It's time to return to visit our Basque friends of Argentina, with the re-creation of Iparraize ("Northern Wind"), NABO's mixed dance group comprised of dancers from our various communities, to perform in Mar de Plata in the Fall of 2010.

Dates:  Begins the weekend before (Sat. 30th) with some events, but most of the action is around the last weekend of Nov. 5-6-7

Download and return the application

N.A.B.O. has been invited to put together a group to perform at the International Mus Tournament and Semana Vasca ("Basque Week") in Mar de Plata, Argentina.  Sixteen years ago an initial bunch made the trip South to take part, and to a person they all had a great time.  It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience an alternative way of being Basque, with one of the biggest Basque celebrations in the world, and of course to make some new friends.

Each participant would cover the cost of travel, and then they would be provided room and board in the homes of Basques during the week (but you would have to pay for some of the meals during the festival).  The "Denak Bat" Basque Club of Mar del Plata would be our hosts while their, and they have a local dance group by the name of "Beti Alai."  Then we would reciprocate and host a visiting group from Argentina when they travel here to perform.

Participants would have to commit to multiple practices (in person and online) in order to put together this hybrid-group.  The group would work on several dances together (to be determined based on those who sign-up), and then perform together in Mar del Plata.  The group would also likely participate in a general performance along with a dozen or more dance groups from Argentina.

The "Denak Bat" clubhouse in Mar del Plata of.  It's several stories, including a bar/restaurant and fronton.  In the buildup to the final weekend of the Semana Vasca, most all of the action is here--it'll be your new home!

Tentative travel plans:
Depart U.S. where we would try to coordinate meeting together at a major connection, then on to Buenos Aires for at least a day to make the make the flight connection to Mar del Plata the next day.  The travel days vary because each person can make their own plans to stay as long as desired; the group will have a few minimum days together.

The contact person for this project will be John Goyenetche SouparKoul@aol.com
[with the help of Valerie Arrechea & John Ysursa.]

Our Mar del Plata contact helping us to arrange this is Patxi Valencia, the treasurer of the Basque Club (and one of the members from the initial exchange of years ago).

Mar del Plata is one of Argentina's premiere beach towns.