Naiara G. / Finalist

Posted on by beobasque in scholarships 23

The Empowerment of Women
Through an original piece of creativity (written, performance, or visual), explore ways to showcase how a Basque woman in your life influenced you and shaped your Basque identity.

A Letter to Amatxi

My mind wanders a lot throughout the day. More often than not, I think about the time spent with my amatxi (grandma), and how much more time I would like with her. This short film highlights the love and admiration I have for her. Because even though I have plenty of fears and worries, she keeps me grounded. Though she has spent most of her life in the house that sits at the end of a small neighborhood called Oharriz (located in Navarra, Spain), her wisdom and patience have enlightened me. From being expected to cook for a table of dozens of men, to facing the hardships of motherhood that were left unspoken, to now living alone, with little desire to leave the comfort of the house she’s always known. Talking to her on the phone is an option, though I’ve enjoyed writing her letters since she has trouble hearing. In my entry, I share how inspirational my amatxi has been to me and how she’s taught me to never let my doubts take over; this life is too short to be spent hesitating. Eskerrik asko amatxi.

A Word from Naiara

EMMA D.

Posted on by beobasque in scholarships 23

The Empowerment of Women
Through an original piece of creativity (written, performance, or visual), explore ways to showcase how a Basque woman in your life influenced you and shaped your Basque identity.

My Inspiration

I drew inspiration from the women in my family because my mom, or “Ama,” and grandmother have truly helped shape my Basque identity, but my mom has especially inspired my love of dancing. My mom danced for over 30 years and has always been a great influence on my sisters and I in increasing our appreciation for our culture and our love of dancing. I have been dancing since I was 4 years old and for the past seven years have been in the eldest dance group called Gauden Bat, which translates to “We Are One.” In recent years I also began teaching kids ages 7-12 traditional Basque dances here in Chino, CA, just like my mom did for many years while I was growing up. Her dance style, confidence, and pride in her culture has really been the biggest inspiration in my life, and as I have gotten older, I’ve grown to appreciate it even more. She has truly made me the young woman I am today and has encouraged me to empower other young girls of future generations.

WHAT AMATXI WHISPERED

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a children’s book

“The book resonated with me in two ways: As the child in me who is a daughter of immigrants, and as the Amatxi I am today who is working to build this bridge.” – the reviewer

“What Amatxi Whispered,” a children’s book written and illustrated by Zoe Bray, is a delightful story that captures the essence of an American-born child, Artemisia, who is made aware of her mother’s Basque heritage through her language and stories. And while she’s intrigued by it, Artemisia doesn’t fully comprehend, as an American, her mother’s heritage. However, a trip to the Basque Country to meet her Amatxi (her mother’s mother) for the first time, changes that. She experiences her Basque heritage through both nature and her Amatxi’s way of life and learns that being Basque is a part of who she is, her roots are with her wherever always, anywhere.  

*The book is written in English and Basque and suggested for 3 years and above.

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ZETAK

Posted on by beobasque in BEOpicks, Streaming Available

a Basque music group

“I searched for Basque songs online and stumbled on ‘Akelarretan.’ I played it a few times, and soon enough, it was stuck in my head. Now we love to play it, dance, and try to sing along though we don’t know Basque; it’s a simple, feel-good song that makes me feel happy. I’ve started listening to their other songs and have found them equally enjoyable.”  -BEO Board Member

ZETAK is a Basque music group formed in 2019. Known for their electronic music with Basque lyrics, today you can find ZETAK’s music with millions of streams on Spotify. The group members include Pello Reparaz on vocals (previously part of the ska group Vendetta), Leire Colomo on percussion, Gorka Pastor on keyboard and synth, and Iban Larrreboure on drums.

ZETAK’s latest album was composed and released in 2020, called Zeinen Ederra Izango Den. This fun music video to one of their songs, Akelarretan, shows good times with friends and family during uncertain times in 2020. 

ZETAK performs next on July 21, 2023, at the 58th San Sebastian Jazz Festival, 58 Jazzaldia.

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
WATCH “ZEINEN EDERRA IZANGO DEN” MUSIC VIDEO

Little Brother – An Odyssey To Europe

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by Amets Arzallus and Ibrahima Balde

This book, written by Basque Bertsolari Amets Arzallus and refugee Ibrahima Balde, tells the story of Balde’s journey through West Africa in search of his younger brother. While he endured hunger, heat, human trafficking, and torture during his travels, he was still able to embrace the different customs and languages and develop friendships with people who ultimately helped him on his journey despite those adversities. This true story of determination and perseverance eventually lead him to Europe and “is a deeply moving, eye-opening novel that gives voice and a face to the refugee crisis.”

BORROW FROM THE BEO LIBRARY

Home Away From Home: A History Of Basque Boarding Houses

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by Jeronima Echeverria

Jeronima Echeverria provides a detailed understanding of why Basque boardinghouses, or “ostatuak,” were created and the importance of their operation to the immigrants who came to the United States.  She continues by sharing the history of each geographical location where the various ostatuak operated, providing historical references on locations, owners, boardinghouse layouts, and, where possible, personal recollections from boarders. This book provides a wonderful historical account and research of 500+ ostatuak between 1860 and 1950. The book is available to borrow from our library or available for purchase on Amazon.

BORROW FROM THE BEO LIBRARY

Euskadiko Orkestra

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by the Basque National Orchestra

By most standards, the Basque National Orchestra is a young symphony since it was formed in 1982. Their music catalogue is vast and rich, but what is a fun and luscious experience is traveling through their Basque Music Collection, a 15-volume discography that reflects Basque musicians and composers of international fame.

While the pandemic may have been the inspiration for the Brucknerian-inspired version of “Agur Jaunak” (click here to listen), Euskadiko Orkestra is the gift that keeps on giving, particularly for those of us who are not able to experience their work in person.

We encourage you to follow their YouTube channel, but also many of their recordings can be found on other digital formats such as iTunes and Amazon Music. In the meantime, to get your feet wet, we dare you to go to their website, pick an album, press PLAY, close your eyes, and take part in all the beautiful journeys so many Basque composers have created for us to enjoy. Happy listening!

VISIT EUSKADIKO ORKESTRA

Intimacy (Intimidad)

Posted on by beobasque in BEOpicks, Streaming Available

a Netflix series

Looking for a weekend television binge? Curled up on the couch with a glass of red wine in hand and wondering what to watch? Well, Intimidad (Intimacy) is our BEOpick for that. Starring celebrated Basque actress Itziar Ituño (of Money Heist fame), Intimacy follows the story of Malen Zubiri, vice-mayor of Bilbao, as she navigates the male-dominated world of politics. Sex, intrigue, betrayal, scandal – Intimacy has it all. Yet, at the core, this BEOpick is a window into modern Basque urban life, highlighting the barriers that women everywhere face when standing against oppression.

The eight episodes of Intimacy are currently streaming on Netflix.

GO TO NETFLIX