Issue 82. zka 2008/1

BASQUE MUSICALINSTRUMENTS,A RICH PAST AND A BRIGHT FUTURE

BASQUE MUSICALINSTRUMENTS,A RICH PAST AND A BRIGHT FUTURE

SOS DEIAK, THE BASQUE EMERGENCY SERVICE, 25 YEARS LATER

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ISSN: 1579-4229 L.G./L.D.: BI-1090-01

82

4 ALBISTE LABURRAK / NEWS BRIEFS

GURE GAIA / THIS ISSUE’S SUBJECT6 Basque musical instruments, a rich past and a bright future”9 “Change is a good thing. It means that Basque folklore is alive

and well.” (Juan Mari Beltrán)

12 The Basque emergency service, SOS Deiak, 25 years later

BERTATIK-KANPOTIK14 Jokin Bildarratz, mayor of Tolosa and president of EUDEL15 David Bieter, Mayor of Boise, Idaho

EUSKAL JENDEA / PEOPLE16 “The Economic Agreement is the backbone of the well-being wenow enjoy.” (Pedro Luís Uriarte)

KANPO HARREMANAK / OFFICIAL ACTIVITIES ABROAD:20 The Lehendakari in California21 Meeting of the Advisory Council

EUSKADITIK22 Dance troupe visits Euskadi

EUSKAL ETXEAK24 Basque Museum of Boise, preserving Basque culture in Idaho

GURE TXOKOA / SPECIAL PLACES26 San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

EUSKALDUNAK MUNDUAN28 Luis Foncillas, a Basque in the Big Apple

SUKALDARITZA / CUISINE31 Restaurante Kokotxa. Baked prawns with ‘marmitako’ vegetable brunoiseon a wafer of saffron polenta.

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GURE TXOKOA

GURE GAIA

EUSKAL JENDEA

Issue 82. zka

BASQUE MUSICALINSTRUMENTS,A RICH PAST AND A BRIGHT FUTURE

BASQUE MUSICALINSTRUMENTS,A RICH PAST AND A BRIGHT FUTURE

SOS DEIAK, THE BASQUE EMERGENCY SERVICE, 25 YEARS LATER

4 euskal etxeak

SUCCESSFUL SPEECH BY THELEHENDAKARI IN BARCELONABasque President Juan José Ibarretxetraveled to Barcelona as a guest ofthe “Sobirania i Progrés” and “Pel dretde decidir” platforms and ofthe“Cercle d’Estudis Sobiranistes.” Duringhis visit, the Lehendakari took part ina lunch and colloquium organized by“Fundació Trias Fargas” and spokewith Catalan Prime Minister ArturMas. The main focus of his visit,however, was a talk he delivered toan 800-person audience. In his talk,the Lehendakari warned that theBasque Country would not tolerateany more “door slamming,” referringto the rejections of democraticagreements reached among Basques.

JANUARYCITIZENS’ PLATFORM ERABAKI -THE RIGHT TO DECIDE - PRESENTEDIN BILBAOErabaki is endorsed by over 80well-known figures from differentsectors of society and culture inEuskadi. The goal of the platform isto “achieve the right to decide as apeople and a society.” The platformhas drawn up a manifesto titled“Queremos decidir y vamos adecidir!” (We want to decide andwe will decide!). The public isencouraged to join by logging on towww.erabaki.nireblog.com. Amongthe initiative’s promoters arejournalist Julio Ibarra, formerdirector of Emakunde (BasqueInstitute for Women) Txaro Arteaga,Chairman of the Sabino AranaFoundation Juan María Atutxa,General Coordinator of Lokarri Paul

Ríos, and University of the BasqueCountry professor Ramón Zallo.Endorsers also include sculptorNéstor Basterretxea, author TotiMartínez de Lezea, bertsolariAndoni Egaña, stone-lifter IñakiPerurena and journalists XabierEuskitze and Josu Loroño.

FORMER SPEAKER OF THEBASQUE PARLIAMENT ANDTWO BASQUE PARLIAMENTCOMMITTEE MEMBERSSENTENCED BY SPANISHSUPREME COURTFormer Speaker of the BasqueParliament, Juan María Atutxa,and Committee members KontxiBilbao representing Ezker Batua,and Gorka Knörr from EuskoAlkartasuna, were charged withdefiance of the law for refusingto break up the SozialistaAbertzaleak parliament group. Inresponse to the conviction, thepolitical parties comprising theBasque Government called for apublic demonstration. The BasqueGovernment and the Lehendakarihimself took part in the march. The Lehendakari read an officialannouncement to the media,saying that: “The Spanish State,through its institutions is awarethat it is constantly breakingdown the pact for coexistencereached during the transition. Itdoes not respect the rules of thegame that this society agreed on.”

laburrakalbiste

The Lehendakari at the podium

newsbriefs

5euskal etxeak

THE BASQUE GOVERNMENT ANDTHE GOVERNMENT OF NAVARRAHOLD HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ONLINGUISTIC POLICYThe senior directors of linguisticpolicy met to foster collaborationamong the two governments topromote Euskara. Taking part in themeeting were Miren Azkarate,Basque Minister of Culture; CarlosPérez-Nievas from the Governmentof Navarra’s Council on Education;Patxi Baztarrika, Basque DeputyMinister for Linguistic Policy; andXabier Azanza, Director of theInstitute of Navarre for Basque.After the meeting, Miren Azkaratemade the following statement:“Today’s meeting is a startingpoint, the first step as we movetoward the future. It is clear thatthis type of thing has not beenvery common in the recent past,but this opens the door to thefuture.”

importance of local government.“We need our towns and cities,” hesaid, “we need the people whohead our local governments towork towards furtheringcoexistence and reconciliationamong our people.”

EMAKUNDE CELEBRATES ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARYThe Basque Institute for Women-EMAKUNDE is celebrating its 20thbirthday throughout 2008. One ofthe highlights was an event headedby Lehendakari Juan José Ibarretxe.The Lehendakari used the occasionto encourage men to becomeinvolved in moving toward fullequality. “There is no turning backon the road to equality, embarkedupon by Emakunde twenty yearsago,” he said. Emakunde wascreated twenty years ago topromote policies that strengthengender equality in government andsociety alike.

20th anniversary of Emakunde.

THE LEHENDAKARI PRESIDESOVER THE PRESENTATION OFINNOBASQUELehendakari Juan José Ibarretxepresided over the presentation ofInnobasque, the Basque Agency forInnovation. During hispresentation, the Lehendakarireminded the audience of the thesignificance of the agency in termsof industrial representation. “95%of our country’s GNP is representedhere today,” he said, “but that’s notenough. We need to make surethat 95% of the population isbehind the project of innovation.”Innobasque is a private, non-profitassociation created to coordinateand promote innovation in all of itsfacets. A total of 417 people willtake part in the variousgovernment structures involved inInnobasque.

EUDEL IMPLEMENTS ITS MASTER PLANThe Association of BasqueMunicipalities (EUDEL) presents itsMaster Plan The presentation washeaded by Basque President JuanJosé Ibarretxe, who underlined theimportant role of localgovernments in achieving peace.“It is the perfect environment,” hesaid “for reaching out to the public,for encouraging democraticparticipation, peace, reconciliationand political normalization, and forpromoting sustainable humanprogress.” He emphasized the

FEBRUARY

6 euskal etxeak

BASQUE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, A RICH PAST AND A BRIGHT FUTURE

In spite of having their ownspecial character, Basque musicand instruments have enjoyed along history of intermingling withother musical cultures. The Way

of Saint James, which runs though theBasque region, brought other culturesto the area and led to the exchange ofrhythms and instruments. This is oneof the many reasons why some typesof Basque music, rhythms andinstruments share a very close

similarity with other parts of Europe.Musical similarities can be seenbetween the western part of EuskalHerria and Portugal, Ireland, Scotlandand Brittany, or between the easternBasque Country and the music of Italy,Catalonia or Sardinia.

Perhaps one of the most interestingtypes of music is that associated withBasque dances, or euskal dantzak. Theevolution of Basque music hasfollowed the same pace as the dances.

In other words, the musicaccompanying ancient traditionaldances has changed very little, if any,over time, the dances stillaccompanied by simple “orchestras”(usually a single person playing thetxistu and the danbolin). In contrast,the dances that have had more socialexposure have evolved the most interms of the music itself as well as theinstruments. Nevertheless, thetraditional duos are still alive and well:

Euskal musika euskal kulturaren ardatzetariko bat da eta musikaren barruan, jakina denez, musikatresnek garrantzi handia dute. Euskal musika tradizionala eta bere tresnak bizirik diraute egungogizartearen ohiko bizitzan eta batez ere ospakizunetan. Euskal musika tresnak gaur egungogaraietara egokitu dira, batez ere trikitixa.

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7euskal etxeak

the dultzaina and the atabal; thetrikitixa and the pandero…

TXISTU, A LONG-STANDINGTRADITION. The trikitixa and the txistuare two of the best known Basqueinstruments. However, in recent yearsthey have grown in oppositedirections. The txistu has evolved whileremaining faithful to its traditionalformula. The trikitixa, on the otherhand, has experienced a veritablerevolution, casting all the traditionalformulas aside.

The txistu is accompanied by thedanbolin. The combination consists ofa one-handed, vertical nose flute withthree holes, and a small closed drumplayed with a single mallet. This duois played throughout the Basqueregion, the only exception being inZuberoa. Here we find a variation

called the txirula-txuntxun, whichconsists of a smaller flute from thesame family and a long, thin psalteryfor rhythmic accompaniment.

The Basque enlightenment of theeighteenth century was a cornerstonein the expansion of the txistu. Withthe Enlightenment in full swing, ruralinstruments in Provence wereintroduced into aristocraticenvironments. The close relationshipsbetween French encyclopedists andthe Sociedad Vascongada de Amigosdel País prompted some of thesociety’s members to take interest inthe phenomenon. Thus, the Conde dePeñaflorida, Ignacio Manuel Altuna,and a number of others, includingmusicians, went to work renovatingboth the instruments and the songs,creating the instrumental duo weknow today.

«Trikitixa eta txistua

euskal musika tresna

ezagunenak dira. Baina

azkeneko garaietan

kontrako bideak

jarraitu dituzte.»

8 euskal etxeak

But in the nineteenth century thetxistu-danbolin duo was in a crisis.The social breakdown between liberalsand conservatives drove the txistutobe associated with conservatism andlater with nationalism. The resurgencebegan in 1928. That year the EuskalHerriko Txistularien Elkartea wascreated in Arrate (Eibar), anorganization that has done much topromote the interests of the txistu.

Today it is common to findtxistularis providing the musicalaccompaniment for the numerousgroups of euskal dantzak andperforming in chamber concerts.

TRIKITIXA, THE REVOLUTION OFTRADITIONAL INSTRUMENTS. Thetrikitixa is a diatonic accordion that isusually accompanied by a pandero, asmall hand-held drum much like atambourine but without metal jinglesor bells. In very few years the trikitixahas experienced a huge revolution.The new bands that came alongduring the ‘90s decided to set aside

musical purism to create a fusion oftraditional and modern musicalinstruments, including electric bass,drums, sample rand others. Tapia taLeturia, Kepa Junkera, Alaitz etaMaider, Etzakit, Gozategi and Gose allcontributed to this change.

With this transformation thetrikitixa started being heard in newplaces and environments. The soundsof the trikitixa could now be heard oncity stages and at any virtually anydance hall or bar in Euskadi.

Many musicians specializing inthis type of music, including KepaJuntera and Maixa, are knownaround the world and now sharebillings with some of the top namesin international folk music.

Traditional trikitixa music, onwhich this new movement is founded,is still very much alive and thriving.The new panorama has served to packmusic schools, encourage instructorsto continue teaching the basics, andin this way keep the sounds of thistraditional instrument alive.

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«90. hamarkadaren

erdialdean jaiotako

musika talde berriek,

soinu tradizionalak

baztertu zituzten eta beste

musika tresna batzuekin

nahastu zituzten.»

9euskal etxeak

«Change is a good thing. It means thatBasque folklore is alive and well.»

«Change is a good thing. It means thatBasque folklore is alive and well.»

Juan Mari Beltrán is one of the foremost experts in traditional Basqueinstruments. Beltrán was born in Donostia and raised in Etxarri-Aranatz,Navarra. At the age of seven he took up the txistu and at eleven joined thelocal txistulari group. At 16 he extended his range of instruments to albokaand the dultzaina, and began to arrange music for the Argia dance group.

In 1996 he started working in collaboration with the local government of Oiartzunon what would become one of his major projects - Musika Txokoa - which openedits doors in 2001. Today Beltrán divides his time between Musika Txokoa and teachingat the Hernani music school, in addition to his own personal music endeavors.

What is the most difficult Basque instrument to play and which is theeasiest?There’s no straightforward answer to that question. The txalaparta may seemsimple. Someone who takes a weekend workshop might learn a few basic notionsand be able to play the ttakun (the part consisting of two strokes repeated overand over again). But it gets more complicated depending on what goals thestudents have and how far they want to go. For example, I’ve been teachingtxalaparta classes at the school in Hernani for 23 years and I still have studentswith me who started in my third year. In other words, they’ve been at it for 20years. It looks like a simple instrument but perhaps for that very reason, there arealways new things to discover.

Juan Mari BeltránMUSICOLOGIST

Basque traditional instruments are most commonly usedto accompany dantzaris...When I was 17 and studying with Isidro Ansorena, I beganto play with Basque dance groups. A group of txistularisalmost always provided the music for dance groups. It didn’tmatter whether the dances were supposed to be danced tothe txistu music or any other type of instrument. Then themovement to bring back different instruments and dancesbegan. The same thing happened with outfits - before thatpeople would wear any kind of costume for whatever typeof dance. With this new movement dancers were moreconcerned about wearing the outfits that went with thedance and having the right type of musical accompaniment.So we said “if we’re going to play Baile de la Era from Lizarra,let’s use the bagpipes or the dultzaina.” The same thing wentfor the dances from Behenafarroa. We began playing themwith instruments from the latter period and then began tothrow in the violin, the clarinet ....

And then albokaris and txalapartaris began to make anappearance in dance groups. The txalapartaris actually playedbetween the dance numbers to add variety to theperformances. This made Basque folk dance performancesricher and more appealing. But traditionally the mostimportant thing was for there to be live musicians to

accompany the dancers. In Argia we began to play dancesfrom Otsagabia using clarinets because the last local dancemusicians were in fact clarinet players. When theydisappeared the dancers began to bring in bagpipe playersfrom Pamplona. And we started to revive these traditions.Before the clarinets the dances may have been played by otherinstruments. These types of changes are logical, and they’rea good thing. It means that Basque folklore is alive and well.When a tradition dies that’s when people want it preserve it,keep it static, not allow it to change. In the regions wheredance music has been kept alive, it’s changed. For example,the Bidasoa area, where they went from the txistu to theaccordion, and where Iantzi and his accordion became popular.

I think that dances can be done to whatever instrumentyou have available; a historically accurate performance isanother thing. But if the dances are still alive, why not usea few violins for instance?

Could a Basque person living in another part of theworld make himself an instrument such as a txalaparta?Yes, a person could make his or her own instrument. I mademy first alboka in my kitchen. I found the horn at theslaughterhouse in Sagües and a piece of wood at a woodshop. Then I bought a cane reed. I think you can find all ofthose things anywhere. You can usually find drawings and alathe anywhere, so you can make an instrument.

Take the txalaparta for example. I know people who aremaking them. They ask me for a file I have with differentmodels of txalapartas. It’s not at all complicated.

What was it like to go on tour to the different EuskalEtxeak?It was a really nice experience. It was a pleasant surprise tofind that I could leave home, travel so far away and thenpractically feel like I was at home. You know that the Basque

10 euskal etxeak

«Hemendik atera eta horren

beste kilometro egin ostean

badirudi etxean zaudela.

Hori sorpresa handia da»

11euskal etxeak

GURE ELKARRIZKETA

HERRI MUSIKAREN TXOKOA, AN

OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT

BASQUE INSTRUMENTS

Herri Musikaren Txokoa, a documentation

centre for folk music, opened its doors to the

public in March 2002, with Juan Mari Beltrán

as one of its main promoters. Over 400 folk

instruments are on display - and another 700

in storage - from the Basque Country and

around the world. In addition to seeing the

instruments, visitors are also invited to listen

via a special sound system.

The documentation center/museum is located

in Gipuzkoa in the town of Oiartzun in the

Ergoien neighborhood. For more information

visit the center’s website at

www.herrimusika.org.

people there are a minority but since those were the peopleI was with all the time, they seemed like a majority. To me,most of the people in San Francisco speak Euskara … becausethe people I was with spoke Euskara. It was surprising andfunny to find people born there who speak Basque. Youidentify with them as if you were here - this guy’s fromBaztan, that one’s from the Txorierri area …. And it’s excitingbecause for them it’s like a transfusion, as if they were beinginfused with something special. Every time you perform andplay their music, you can feel it.

I also had some unique experiences. In one concert I said“we’re going to play a song by my great maestro, MauricioElizalde,” and all of a sudden I hear someone start to cry. Itturns out that his daughter, Maria Elizalde, was in theaudience. And Elizalde’s son, Antonio Elizalde, was at theSan Francisco and the Chino, California, Euskal Etxeak.

After the concerts people would come up to me and tellme that I’d played something from their region they werefamiliar with and used to dance to. That’s very rewarding.

How do you see the importance of music and traditionalinstruments within our culture?Basque culture is the sum total of different fields. Basqueculture is painting, language, architecture ... and Basque music.

What should be made clear is that in order for somethingto be called “Basque culture,” it should have certaincharacteristics. There can be different kinds of music, but ifwe’re talking about Basque culture, it has to incorporatethose specific features. And Basque music does. There maybe many different kinds but it shares specific characteristics.There are tambourines on all seven continents and eventhough they have things in common, a tambourine playerfrom Papantla, Mexico, and a Basque tambourine player eachhave their own peculiarities. They don’t share the samemusical language.

Basque music is the product of its instruments.Instruments such as the alboka have determined a style,timbre, texture and acoustic characteristics that have hadan influence on Basque music. The same holds true for thetxistu and the dultzaina.

And what about the txalaparta? How many groups havewanted to use this instrument? And when they use theinstrument they’re influence by it. Music isn’t just one noteafter another. Timbre also plays an important role. That’swhy the accordion is important. We don’t know where itcame from but it’s had an enormous influence on thecreativity of Basque music in recent years.

«Nik bere kabuz txalapartak

egiten ari den jendea ezagutzen

dut. Txalaparta ezberdinak

egiteko dudan artxibo bat eskatu

didate. Ez da batere zaila»

12 euskal etxeak

THE BASQUE EMERGENCY SERVICE,SOS DEIAK, 25 YEARS LATER

Twenty-five years ago the Basque Departmentof the Interior set into motion a Basqueemergency service organization. Manyaspects of the service have changed sincethat time, particularly with regard to

technology. Today 70% of the calls that come into theSOS Deiak call center are placed from cell phones.Twenty-five years ago it was impossible to think thatvirtually everyone would have one. In the early years,radios and landline telephones were used tocommunicate with the various institutions, whereas nowcommunications take place with a single click from theInternet.

In 1983 the Basque Government decided to set up anemergency assistance service. The goal was for the

public to be able to pick up their phone in case of anemergency and dial a single emergency phone number.This is how SOS Deiak was born.

However, the idea was not only to serve as a singlephone number, but also as the overall coordinator forall Basque public assistance service agencies. Thisincludes provincial governments and municipalassociations in charge of fire departments and otheremergency resources, the Department of the Interior,responsible for the Ertzaintza (Basque police), citygovernments and their local police forces, and last butnot least, the Basque health service, Osakidetza.

The purpose of Sos Deiak, which coincided with thedeployment of the Ertzaintza, was not to create newresources but rather to work with those being developed

2008an hainbat erakunde publikoek urteurrena ospatzen dute: Emakundek 20 urte betetzenditu, IVAPek 25… SOS Deiakek ere berea ospatzen du. Urte hauetan zehar aldaketak sakonakizan dira. 088tik 112ra pasa gara eta teknologiari dagokionez berripenak itzelak izan dira.Aldaketak egon arren, SOS Deiakek hiritarrei larrialditarako zerbitzua ematen jarraitu du.

13euskal etxeak

at the time as well as the resources already in existence.One of the defining moments in its history was thecreation three years later of the number 088. TheBasque Government’s intention was to generatecohesion in society by making it possible for any citizento request assistance from anywhere within the BasqueAutonomous Community by dialing a single phonenumber. In other words, to reinforce and integrate publicsecurity in the broadest sense. The number would beavailable to the public regardless of the severity of theincident.

FFRROOMM 008888 TTOO 111122.. Convergence between Euskadi andEurope also had its effects on Sos Deiak. In 1997 thesingle European emergency number came into effect,whereby people could dial 112 for emergency servicesanywhere in the European Union. Thus, the previouslyindispensable 088 was replaced.

The ultimate emergency service, 112, requires a hugeamount of coordination. When we dial 112 we get is aquick response but we often stop to think about theinfrastructure and knowledge that supports the system.What we experience when we make the call is a groupof skilled professionals who perform their jobs quicklyand efficiently. These are the people that coordinate the

agencies and provide the volunteer services that makethe system work. But the structure coordinated by SosDeiak is completely decentralized to provide fast andefficient service. Sos Deiak coordinates the entireprocess, from the neighborhood Ertzaintza patrol car, tothe city fire department, to ambulances, hospitals andany other emergency resources.

112200 SSEECCOONNDDSS. The average amount of time from when acall comes into the Sos Deiak call center to the time thevarious emergency agencies are notified is 120 seconds.One of the greatest concerns in providing better servicesis the question of time: “saving time saves lives.” SosDeiak strives to maintain readiness to respond to thenearly one and a half million calls per year.

In order to remain on the cutting edge of emergencyservices, the professionals at Sos Deiak know howimportant it is to incorporate new technology. They arealready working on a program to enhance the automaticlocation of incoming calls.

But without question, its most valuable assets are itshuman resources. After all, no matter how great theadvances in technology, there is no substitute for humandiligence. Information, skill and competence are thecornerstones of success.

14 euskal etxeak

At EUDEL we have been working for 25 years togive local Basque governments the important placethey deserve. It is local-level governments thatprotect the interests and work to enhance thequality of life of Basque citizens. And withnecessary tools we want to be able to continue todo so. That is the reason behind the push for todefine the emerging role of city governments andclearly define local powers. We see the needs of our residents, without anymiddlemen. We are direct witnesses; they knock onour doors every day to ask us for solutions toeveryday problems. The quality of life we enjoy in

Euskadi today is the result of hard work by a lot ofpeople and by the Basque institutions. To a largeextent, EUDEL has contributed significantlytowards ensuring that our local governmentsprovide greater services for their citizens.

At EUDEL we have also undertaken otherresponsibilities, such as promoting the Konponduproject, which some of the Euskal Etxeakreadership is familiar with. The project aims to putthe word PEACE - in capital letters - on the tableand make all of our voices heard on the issue ofpeace and coexistence using another essential toolfor democracy: GRASSROOTS PARTICIPATION

We see the needs of our residents, without any middlemen

Jokin Bildarratz, President of EUDEL

Born in Tolosa, Gipuzkoa, in 1963

Member of the Basque Nationalist Party

Mayor of Tolosa and President of the Association of Basque Municipalities, EUDEL

BERTATIK

15euskal etxeak

KANPOTIK

The greatest honor of my life is serving as Mayorof my hometown I’m doubly honored to beBoise’s first Basque mayor because I’mtremendously proud of my Basque heritageand of the many positive contributions theBasques have made to the culture and livabilityof this city. Of the many things we’veaccomplished in my first term as Mayor,several stand out in particular. We establishedthe first municipal ethics commission in thestate of Idaho and restored citizen confidence

in City Hall. We’ve brought structural balanceto the budget and now tie our spendingdecisions to our citizens’ priorities. We’ve added100 acres of new and developed parks in oneyear alone, and in just the past month we’veopened two new neighborhood libraries. Mygoal is to give the children of Boise today andtomorrow all of the advantages andopportunities that my brothers and sister andI enjoyed growing up here, and I think we’reon our way toward achieving that.

The greatest honor of my life isserving as Mayor of my hometown

David H. Bieter, Mayor of Boise

Born in Boise, Idaho, in 1960

Member of the Democratic Party

Mayor of Boise since 2004 and re-elected in 2007

«The Economic Agreement is the backbone of the well-being

we now enjoy»

PEDRO LUÍS URIARTE 64 urteko bilbotarra da. Gaur egun Innobasqueko, Garapenerako Euskal Agentzia,lehendakaria da. Baina bere bizitza interesgarria bezain zabala da eta negoziaketa garrantzitsuetan parte hartudu. Garrantzitsuena Euskal Kontzertu Ekonomikoarena da, garai horretan Garaikoetxea Lehendakariarengobernuaren Industri Kontseilaria zen.

The Basque Government to Innobasque, by way ofBBVA. What has the progression been like?

Enriching, that’s for certain. Although the picture is a bitmore complex, since when I had the honor of serving asTreasury Minister for the first Basque Government, I wasalready well into my career with the bank. My experienceof taking responsibility for that public position was anindispensable lesson for me. At that time we had theopportunity to implement major projects, ideas andinitiatives which in the long-term have turned out to beof vital importance in shaping the country we now haveand enjoy. The most obvious example is the EconomicAgreement. After that period in my career, I went back tothe bank. And during those years I was also involved inlaunching what would be an ambitious project with majorrepercussions, one which I did my best to develop with thehighest level of commitment. Following my earlyretirement, I created a strategic consulting firm and beganteaching at the university level. And since July 5th 2007,as you mentioned in your question, I’ve served as chairmanof the Basque Agency for Innovation. It is a private project,very intelligently supported by public authorities who,much like myself, understand how important it is toapproach major projects with a positive attitude and highhopes. In this particular case the challenge we have setis tremendously ambitious: to make Euskadi THE leadingpoint of reference for innovation in Europe.

You were a key figure in negotiating the EconomicAgreement. What do you remember about the actualnegotiation process?Needless to say, it was arduous and extremely complicated.

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I remember the huge efforts we all had to make, howadamantly we negotiated, and the determination we feltto do something so important. That was the guiding forcebehind the work of the entire Basque delegation. And Iremember that even then, as president of the BasqueNegotiating Committee, I was fully aware of the fact thatat that negotiating table we were hammering out thefoundations for institutional development and for Basquepublic administration as a whole.

What is the importance of the Economic Agreementin our economy today?The Economic Agreement is the backbone of the well-beingwe now enjoy. It gave us the ability to manage our ownresources and I think we’ve successfully taken advantageof that. For the general public it is now absolutely normalfor them to file their tax returns with the Basque revenueservice. But in fact, the system is truly unique in thattaxes are collected at a lower-ranking tier of governmentthan the national level, and the economic relationship withSpain is determined by a quota system whereby the central

government provides funding for the competences notconferred on the Autonomous Community. It’s anabsolutely innovative concept. This way of expanding andstrengthening our own internal powers has been a keyaspect of our recent economic history. And now you’re working with Innobasque. How wouldyou explain to a Basque living abroad what the basisis for this second major economic change we’reexperiencing?We are in a process of intensive change that is alteringthe economic, scientific-technological and social stagearound the world. As a result, new countries are emergingthat didn’t use to “exist” economically and which aredrastically escalating competition in all sectors. It is aphenomenon that affects us directly and clouds oureconomic prospects with uncertainty.

Unlike what happened in the previous phase oftransformation in the 1980s, the current process of intenseglobal change does not present us with a sudden challengefor survival. Now the global change presents us with a newchallenge - competition. And this can translate into decline,

EUSKAL JENDEA

17euskal etxeak

because since becoming a rich country we’ve lost some ofthe competitive advantages of the past, most of which werebased on lower costs than the surrounding areas.

Is the need for transformation perceivable? Compared to what happened in the previous phase, todaythe need for change is more subtle and harder toapprehend. Nowadays we don’t feel like the future is atstake, simply because the present is so incrediblybenevolent. Crisis? We’re one of the richest countries onthe planet, ranking third in the Human Development Index(indicator of the quality of life of a country). Yes, we’veachieved an enviable position in the international contextand we’ve managed to do so through enormous collectiveefforts, both public and private, which is what enabled usto face the challenge for survival of the previous phaseand come out ahead of the game. Today things areradically different.

But the excellent position we carved out for ourselvesdoes not ensure our future. To maintain it we mustconfront a second transformation. Lehendakari Ibarretxe,his government and now Innobasque have very wiselydecided to stress the importance of this challenge.

Basque companies in China, South America ... Whatimportance does this globalization we’re witnessinghave on the Basque economy?It is of critical importance. The issues that determine ourfuture are essentially global, and one of them isglobalization. This phenomenon, as well as other associatedevents, are giving rise to a more prosperous world, but at

the same time a more unjust one. For instance 2.3 billionpeople are technologically excluded from participating inthe so-called Information Age.

It is precisely in the shadow of this globalization thatthe enormous challenge before us becomes more evident:to clearly position ourselves in a context of rapid andprofound change. It is a matter of ensuring the well-beingof future generations and to do so in a purposeful, well-structured manner. And that is what our companies aredoing and will continue to do.

There are warnings of a worldwide recession but theBasque economy seems to continue growing.I don’t see at this time a risk of recession. I do, however,foresee a deceleration, which is not the same, owing tothe slowdown of the U.S. economy. In this global context,in which the emerging countries will continue to growstrongly, the Basque economy will maintain its currentpace of growth and job creation, both of which are morerobust than in Spain and the rest of the European Unioncountries.

So, how will the Basque Country compete from now on?Over the last three decades the world economy has builtup considerable momentum, the international GDP figurenow at 48.2 billion dollars. Thirty years in which theBasque economy made it through the First Transformationwith flying colors, completing an unprecedented growthcycle and maintaining a notable industrial capacity, whichcontributes to 30% of the Basque GNP. We took a greatleap forward, even when the conditions at the beginningwere anything but encouraging.

But times have changed. Today the scenario we havemoved so comfortable in so far presents new challengesthat we have to address and be able to turn intoopportunities. In a context of globalized, interconnectedeconomies and sectors, and with the inclusion of newcountries which contribute a greater amount of low-costproduction to the world market, the only solution is tocreate value by increasing productivity. Of course wemustn’t forget the ongoing commitment to maximumefficiency. Companies that operate in developed economicenvironments, such as the Basque economy, have toreorient their production, management and marketingsystems to create much greater added value.

Therefore, we have to accept the fact that the mainbasis for increasing income and prosperity in the Basque

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Country in a sustainable way is to increase productivity.This will be very hard to achieve if we count on cost-basedpolicies because we’ve lost competitive advantages in thisarea. So, how do we compete? We already know some ofthe keys: improve the already good levels we’ve attainedin areas such as education, infrastructures, employment,quality and internationalization; make a strongcommitment to enhance the efficiency and size of ourcompanies, and with all of this, prioritize activities thatwill position us in the added value economy, i.e. science,basic and applied research, technology and innovation.

And how would you explain what Innobasque is andwhat purpose it’s designed to serve?Innobasque was created to spearhead the so-called SecondTransformation. All of us, government, business and society,have to join forces to meet this major challenge, guidedby a commitment to mutual collaboration. The BasqueAgency for Innovation is the network for developing theenormous capabilities we have in our society in acoordination fashion.

The goal is for the Basque Country to become thebenchmark for innovation in Europe in the span of onegeneration. Right now we rank second in Spain and the55th among 250 European regions. Therefore we are at agood starting point for reaching the top step of theEuropean podium, but there is still a lot of work ahead.

So, how do you plan to move forward?Innobasque’s specific actions are laid down in a series ofshort- , medium- and long-terms plans. The 2008-2009lines of innovation, with 100 different programs, havealready been approved. The 2008-2012 Plan will beapproved in June, and the 2009-2018 Plan at the end ofthis year.

How are you going to implement the transformationInnobasque is after?By using six major levers for change: first, governmentbodies comprising more than 400 Basque leaders from allfields; second, a group of partners who are major playersand stakeholders; third, the creation of a “BasqueCommunity of Innovators”; fourth, a powerful BasqueVirtual Agency of Innovation; fifth, a set of highlycompetent, international and Basque consulting bodies;and, sixth, by developing the plans I mentioned earlier.

How many members are there?Right now Innobasque consists of more than 450 memberswhose governing bodies are comprised of the leaders of

the foremost Basque companies, institutions andorganizations.

In 2008 we hope to bring the number up to 1,001members. As I said before, we’re also working to create aBasque Community of Innovators, which in 2009 weexpect will have 5,005 members.

Who is on the management team?We’ve put together a powerful executive team which willwork in six basic areas: technological innovation, socialinnovation, corporate transformation, internationalizationof the Basque innovation system, advancedentrepreneurialship, and promotion and communication.

What is the Basque Virtual Agency of Innovation youmentioned?We’ve moved forward considerably in the design andimplementation of what the Basque Virtual Agency ofInnovation, a robust network of 101 public and private“agents for transformation” linked to Innobasque via fivedifferent ways: Integration, Federation, Strategic Alliance,Cooperation and Collaboration. The objective is tonetwork, coordinate programs, multiply capabilities andalign projects and goals.

What specific short-term goals do you have?Several very important ones. First, we are helping to designand set into motion an initiative launched by theLehendakari to make 2008 the Year of Innovation in theBasque Country. Our aim is to capture public interest ona mass scale. Secondly, we are going to contribute tobuilding wide-spread support for the Manifesto forInnovation, also put forward by the Lehendakari. Thirdly,we want to have successfully accomplished 300,000innovation actions by the year 2010. And fourth, by thatsame year we also want to be seen in Europe as anexample of how to create a project for the transformationof a rich yet traditional and innovative society.

One last question: Can the global Basque communitytake part in this Second Major Basque Transforma-tion?Of course it can. If people want to become involved inthe area of innovation, we will gladly accept any supportfrom Basques living abroad with open arms. I invite themto visit the Basque Agency for Innovation website(www.innobasque.com), where they’ll find a lot moreinformation. They’ll also find more specific ways to getinvolved in this major project which we hope will makeEuskadi a benchmark for transformation in Europe.

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EUSKAL JENDEA

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USA

Lehendakari Juan José Ibarretxevisited California from February 14thto 17th during his official visit to theUnited States. He was received by anumber of local authorities andBasques residents.

Lieutenant Governor of CaliforniaJohn Garamendi, of Basque origin,organized an official reception at theCalifornia State Capitol building inSacramento. Following thegathering, which lasted about anhour, both leaders spoke to theaudience. Garamendi told theparticipants that the purpose of thevisit was to exchange information onclimate-related matters and to lookinto ways in which California couldwork in collaboration with Basqueinstitutions. The Lehendakariexpressed his satisfaction at “seeinga Basque in one of the highestpositions of authority,” and made acommitment to collaborate activelyin areas of mutual interest toEuskadi and California, includingnanotechnology, social innovationand policies to fight climate change.

South San Francisco Mayor PedroGonzalez also welcomed the BasquePresident at the City Hall. TheIkurriña was hoisted for the occasionon the front of the City Hall building.Gonzalez underscored the Basquecommunity’s role in the cultural andsocial life of the city.

The Lehendakari took advantageof the occasion to meet with Basqueresidents in this part of the UnitedStates. The Basque Cultural Centerof San Francisco included Ibarretxe’svisit as part of the events celebratingthe center’s 26th anniversary. Juan

José Ibarretxe spoke at the event,saying: “All of the Basque peoplehere in California live in harmony -.men and women from Baxenafarroa,Lapurdi, Zuberoa, Bizkaia, Araba,Gipuzkoa and Nafarroa. I would evengo so far as to say, on behalf of oursociety, that you are a shiningexample of peaceful coexistence.”

Perhaps the leg of the Lehendakari’svisit that raised the greatestexpectation was his talk at theprestigious University of StanfordBefore a full house, the Lehendakaripresented his “Proposal to bring an endto the Basque conflict,” in which heexplained his road map to peace. Healso described a series of social andeconomic measures for Basque society.

The Lehendakari visits the United States

Ibarretxe speaking at the University of Stanford

The Lehendakari with a group of young dantzaris.

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Felipe Eyheragibel, newpresident of FEVA

Felipe Eyheragibel became thepresident of the Federation ofBasque organizations in Argentina,FEVA, following elections held onMarch 15th. Eyheragibel, and hiscampaign “Por una FEVA paratodos” (FEVA for all), beat AlejoMartín in a 26 to 23 vote. “CentrosVascos por la alternativa” (Basquecenters for change) was thecampaign slogan used by Martín,president of the Basque Club in thecity of Córdoba. The new presidentis a member of the ‘Zazpirak Bat’Basque club of Rosario.

New Euskal Etxea in Rio Gallegos,

Argentina

The Basque Cabinet of Ministersaccepted the application submittedby the Euskal Etxea “Centro Vascode Santa Cruz - Hegoaldeargentinarra” located in the city ofRio Gallegos, Argentina. On theother hand, at the same Cabinetmeeting the official status of thefollowing Basque centers wasrevoked: Centro Euskaro (Uruguay),Instituto Vasco Argentino deCooperación y Desarrollo (IVACD) ofBuenos Aires and Olavarria(Argentina).

The Advisory Council for Relationswith Basque Communities met onMarch 4th. Under article 12 of theLaw of Relations with BasqueCommunities and Centers Abroad,the Advisory Council is responsiblefor drawing up, implementing andfollowing up on the four-year plan.The plan is based on the conclusionsfrom the World Congress of BasqueCommunities held last summer underthe motto Zubigintzan.

It is worth pointing out that forthe first time since its conception,council had direct support frommembers of the Basque centers.These members were Carlos SosaAzpeitia from Argentina and JonZaballa de Uraga from Madrid.

In addition to the four-year plan,the council also addressed othermatters, such as the presence ofEuskara in the Euskal Etxeak. Joseba

Erkizia, Director of HABE, Institutefor Basque Culture, Language andAdult Literacy, took part in themeeting. He presented the programaimed at teaching Euskara atBasque centers and explained thedifferent agreements signed withuniversit ies around the world.Andoni Martín, technical expert forthe Department of Relations withBasque Communities, presented aproject agreed upon by Federationsof Basque Centers to create anonline community.

Before moving on to questionsand concerns, the company Xabidepresented its feasibility study on the“Museum of Basque Emigration.” Thestudy provides broad information onthe current situation, referencemodels, project opportunities,strategic framework, businessdefinition and possible location.

Advisory Council

ARGENTINA

KANPO HARREMANAK OFFICIAL ACTIVITIES ABROAD

Francois Pedeflous goian bego

Former NABO president, Francois Pedeflous, recentlypassed away at the age of 78. Pedeflous served as

president from 1981 to 1983.

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EU

SK

AD

ITIK

A group of ballet students from theprestigious University of Utahvisited Euskadi for ten days to learnmore about traditional Basquedance. The seventeen visitingstudents belong to the CharacterDance Ensemble directed by RichardWacko. The ensemble contacted theKezka Basque dance group throughthe www.dantzan.com website.

The University of Utah has aBallet Department was founded in1951 and which offers differenttypes of degrees in areas includingTeaching and Choreography,Character Dance (folkdance), andScholarly Research. Before coming

to Euskal Herria, the group hadmade previous trips to London,Beijing and Saint Petersburg withthe same goals.

The entire project wascoordinated by the group Kezkaeuskal dantzak , although the actualclasses were organized and taughtby the Donostia-based danceassociation Ikerfolk. The materialtaught focused on traditional folkdances from Gipuzkoa and Zuberoa.The dances from these twoprovinces are the oldest knownBasque dances, involving veryspecial techniques and dating backto pre-classical times.

The young North Americanvisitors also came as observers.During their stay they visited thetowns of Arrokiaga, Aloze andAtharratze in Zuberoa to see variouslive performances and the traditionalMaskarada. In the group’s host townof Eibar they also saw a number ofperformances by the Kezka dancegroup and by Haritz in theneighboring town of Elgoibar. Inaddition to the University of Utah’sDepartment of Ballet, the state alsoboasts another group of dantzaris.The Utah’ko Triskalariak BasqueDancers represent one of the UtahBasque Club’s most popular activities.

DDaannccee ttrroouuppee vviissiittss EEuusskkaaddii

Bizkai Euskal FolklorElkartea releases a DVD

Bizkai Folklor Elkartea, association for the promotion ofBasque dance in Bizkaia, has released a DVD titled“Berrizko Folklorea, dantzari-dantza eta soka dantza”. TheDVD feature some twenty different different Basquedances. Anyone interested in purchasing the new releasecan find it at www.bizkai-elkartea.net.

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© Ke

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EUSKADITIK

AUTHOR KEN FOLLETPRESENTED HIS NEWBOOK IN VITORIA-GASTEIZ [1]Welsh-born writer, KenFollet , presented hislatest novel , WorldWithout Endin Vitoria-Gasteiz. The novel, thesequel to the author’sbestselling The Pillars ofthe Earth , took itsinspiration from theCathedral of SantaMaría located inVitoria’s old townquarter. During his visit,Follet unveiled a statueerected in his honor,saying he felt both“flattered” and“delighted.”

******************************

BERTSO EGUNA The Kursaal ConventionCenter in Donostia waspacked full of people atthis year’s edition of theclassic Bertso Eguna.Bertsolaris spanningdifferent generationstook part in an eventfull of surprises. Fromold-timers Anjel MariPeñagarikano and

Andoni Egaña, to theup-and-coming youngUxue Alberdi , toseasoned bertsolarisincluding Jexux MariIrazu, Unai Iturriagaand Maialen Lujanbio.The fiesta continuedinto the wee hours ofthe morning at MartínBerasategi’s well-knownrestaurant.

******************************OFFICIAL OPENING FORSUKAL LEKU [2]Sukal Leku, Euskadi’sleading center for R+Din gastronomy, wasinaugurated by Lehen-dakari Juan JoséIbarretxe. Juan MariArzak and GermánMuruamendiaraz willserve respectively as thechairman and directorof the center, located inthe Intxaurrondo neigh-borhood in Donostia.Among the center’sgoals are to spread anunderstanding ofBasque cuisine, create aspecialized library, offera module for university-level education andbuild relationships with

technology centers,universities and busi-nesses to apply newtechnologies to thekitchen. During hispresentation, theLehendakari said that“only cuisine with itsown special personalitycan reach out to theworld.”

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NO OSCAR FORDONOSTIA COMPOSERALBERTO IGLESIAS[3]Composer AlbertoIglesias didn’t walk awaywith the Oscar for BestSoundtrack for his filmThe Kite Runner. It washis second nominationafter The ConstantGardener earned him hisfirst Academy Awardnomination in 2006.

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COMPOSER MIKEOLDFIELD PRESENTSHIS CD IN BILBAO British musician MikeOldfield presented theinternational release of

his new CD, Music ofthe Spheres, at theGuggenheim Museum inBilbao. Mike Oldfieldhas dedicated 35 yearsof his life to music andhas 24 records to showfor it . Oldfield isperhaps best known forhis album Tubular Bells.Taking part in his Bilbaoperformance was theBasque NationalOrchestra together with40 female voices fromthe Bilbao Choir.

******************************

IRUN PAINTERMENCHU GAL DIES [4]Born in Irun, artistMenchu Gal has passedaway at the age of 90.Menchu Gal revolu-tionized post-warpainting with herartwork and by the factthat she was one of thefew women painters atthe time. As a tributeto Gal, the Museum ofBidasoa Painters willbear her name. MenchuGal received a numberof awards during herlifetime.

[1] [2] [3] [4]

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BASQUE MUSEUM OF BOISE, PRESERVING BASQUE CULTURE IN IDAHO

The Basque Museum and Cultural Centeropened its doors in 1985 in the historic Cyrus

Jacobs-Uberuaga House at 607 Grove Street inBoise, Idaho.

The main purpose of the institution is topreserve the cultural roots of the Basque residentsin Idaho and surrounding states. The center’sfocus is on the future generations. This explainswhy it was one of the driving forces behind thecreation of Boiseko Ikastola, the first (and so far

the only) ikastola to open its doors in the UnitedStates.

Since its opening in 1985, the Museum andCultural Center has grown at a staggering pacethanks to support from a number of institutions,foundations and, most particularly, its backers,movers and shakers and Basque residents inIdaho. The museum provides an opportunity tolearn about the rich and colorful Basque cultureand its origins, and about the new life so many

EUS

25euskal etxeak

SKAL ETXEAKEUSKAL ETXEAK

Today the museum featurestwo permanent exh ib i ts :Basque Whal ing - Danger &Daring on a Distant Shore andthe Cyrus Jacobs-UberuagaBoarding House.

The first one explores theefforts of Basque whalers offthe east coast of NorthAmer ica . Inc luded in thedisp lay are whal ing too ls ,artifacts and gear, in additionto c loth ing and whal ingvessels. The exhibit is meantto pay tribute to the men whoset out from Euskadi to crossthe Atlantic in the sixteenthcentury to hunt whales.

The second exhibit is theCyrus Jacobs-Uberuaga House.This house, in operation from1910-1969, was where Basqueimmigrants would stay when

they came to Idaho. I t a lsoserved as a social and culturalcenter, where Idaho Basquescould get together and keepthe ir trad it ions and nat ivelanguage alive.

BASQUE WHALING AND THE CYRUS JACOBS-UBERUAGA HOUSE

Basque people embarked on inAmerica.

Over the course of the museum’stwenty-year history, it has compiledan extensive collection of materials,including important manuscripts,numerous audio archives andphotographs. The Basque Museumand Cultural Center has become aplace of reference for students andscholars of the Basque phenomenonand its particular relationship withthe United States.

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27euskal etxeak

////////////////////////////////////////////////// SSaann JJuuaann ddee GGaazztteelluuggaattxxee,, BBeerrmmeeoo,, BBiizzkkaaiiaa..

28 euskal etxeak

In early March one of the chapters in my life came to an end, onewhich only a few years ago would have been impossible for me toconceive of. I came to New York over 13 years ago with a dufflebag and a head full of dreams. I’ve never been a great planner, soI had no preconceived idea of how long I would stay here.Improve my English and learn a few tricks of the trade: thosewere my main goals.

In a lot of ways my life in New York is like it was when I livedin Iruña, Donostia, Vitoria-Gasteiz or Madrid. I spend a lot of timeworking, rushing from one place to another, and I still have thefeeling that the day isn’t long enough to do what I have to do.But in New York I’ve found myself and have learned to acceptmyself for what I am. I’ve even found a reasonable amount ofhappiness, but not the kind we see in Hollywood movies.

Generally speaking, I think the Basques are noble, hard-working people, people who in some way are obsessed with theiridentity. As the Irish author Paddy Woodworth says in his book“The Basque Country,” we are fascinated with the past but at thesame time form part of a vibrant, modern society. Maybe theseare some of the reasons why Basques fit in so well in New York, asociety which, like the Basque society, is largely obsessed withthis kind of values.

Luis Foncillas,

sp

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t

Luis Foncillas, from

Pamplona, has been living

in New York since 1994.

He has held a number of

positions at the New York

Euskal Etxea, including

president from 2001 to

2004. He is currently the

New York correspondent

for Radio Euskadi.

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EUSKALDUNAKmunduan

Pretty much ever since I’ve been in this city I’ve worked inthe area of audiovisuals and the media. I work for one of theworld’s major media corporations, MTV Networks (Viacom), andam the U.S. correspondent for Radio Euskadi (EiTB), whichallows me to be in contact with two worlds that both verydifferent and very much alike at the same time.

I’m comfortable in New York even though sometimes I domiss the Basque Country. It took me five years to connect withthe New York Euskal Etxea because at first I didn’t feel the needto be with other Basque people. Now without really realizing it,I think I’ve managed to find a balance in my private life betweenmy Basque and U.S. identities. I have American friends andBasque friends. I feel comfortable among all of them and there’sa good rapport between the two.

I said in the first paragraph that in early March a veryspecial chapter in my life came to a close. My Basque identityand my American experience - the latter learned from an earlyage through movies and TV series and absorbed perfectly overthese years living in New York - have come together naturally.On March 7th I myself became the person I’ve talked about somany times on the radio. Taking on U.S. citizenship, I havebecome yet another “vascoamericano.”

a Basque in the Big Apple

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estatubatuarra etaeuskalduna batzea lortu

dut, konturatu gabeizan bada ere.»

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11 -- MMAARRMMIITTAAKKOO BBRRUUNNOOIISSEE

Dice the vegetables into small, even cubes.Fry the vegetables in hot olive oil untillightly browned, turn down heat andcontinue cooking. When the vegetables arehalfway done, add the diced potatoes. Addthe white wine and reduce until nearly dry.Stir in the prawn broth and simmer untilthe potatoes are tender but do not fallapart.

22 -- PPOOLLEENNTTAA WWAAFFEERR

Heat water and milk in a sauce pan. Bringto a boil and add polenta. Lower heat andcook for 20 minutes, stirring constantly.Add butter and salt. Spread the polentamixture about two centimeters thick on anan oiled baking sheet or tray. Use a cookiecutter or cut rounds out of the polenta. Putin refrigerator.

33 -- FFIINNIISSHHIINNGG TTOOUUCCHHEESS

Heat the marmitako brunoise with the saffronessence and set aside. Peel the prawns, removethe heads, sprinkle with salt and oil, and bakefor four minutes at 180ºC. Place a few spoonfulsof the marmitako brunoise on a preheated plate.Put two prawns, one looped around the other,over the marmitako. Decorate with the two friedchive and one raw chive sprigs.

I N G R E D I E N T S

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11 66

Restaurante Kokotxa

C O L L E C T I B L E

You can smell the salt air wafting up from the fishing port just a fewblocks away from this attractive restaurant. Kokotxa is locatedbeside the church of Santa María in the heart of Donostia’s old town,just opposite the legendary Gaztelubide gastronomic society.Restaurante Kokotxa has been in the same location for a long time,but five years ago the kitchen and dining room were completelyrenovated to give the establishment a modern design and a light andairy feel.

Heading up the kitchen is a young and talented, 32-year-oldchef, Daniel López, disciple of Luis Irizar, one of the masters ofBasque cuisine. López has not only managed to put the Kokotxa highon the list of the best places to eat in the city. He has also brought aspecial sensibility and a vast knowledge of new techniques inelaborating and creating highly successful dishes.

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31euskal etxeak

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Campanario, 11 • San Sebastián. Telephone and fax: 943421904 Closed Sunday evening and Monday

Photo album

“The first Basque expedition to Venezuela in 1939”

My aita Antonio María Urruzuno and his brother Tomás Urruzunowere part of this expedition.”

Karmele Urruzuno

DDOO YYOOUU HHAAVVEE AA PPIICCTTUURREE TTOO AADDDD TTOO TTHHEE AALLBBUUMM??If you do, and would like to see it published here,send it by e-mail to: jj ii --aarr rreegguuii@@eejj--ggvv..eess

Servicio Central de Publicaciones del Gobierno Vasco

Eusko Jaurlaritzaren Argitalpen Zerbitzu Nagusia