After analyzing the programming of the last four years for Okondo's two main festivals, San Roman and San Bartolome, the Aiaraldea Euskalgintza Council has concluded that Euskera is entirely excluded from these events. The findings have been presented in a new report.
Musical performances have been particularly scrutinized: since 2022, 70% have been in Spanish, and it was noted that in 2022, "only one out of every 10 musical performances was in Euskera."
The children's programming has also reportedly crossed "red lines." In 2022 and 2023, all shows aimed at children were in Spanish, and no such events were scheduled in the following two years.
Regarding adult entertainment, the report indicates that only one Euskera-language event has been programmed in four years, organized by the Provincial Council of Araba. Otherwise, apart from karaoke, everything has been in Spanish, they added.
The Council reminds that Okondo's Euskera speaker index stands at 49.87%, making this situation "even more concerning," as the number of events programmed in Euskera during the festivals is significantly lower than the number of speakers, especially for children and youth. Therefore, they have advocated for all children's programming to be in Euskera.
Furthermore, the Okondo City Council refused to participate in the Gora Aiaraldeko Jai Euskaldunak! initiative and consequently does not utilize the tools proposed for promoting Euskera in festivals, such as the Euskera traffic light system or campaigns for hospitality businesses.
Most of the region's municipalities, including Laudio, Urduña, Orozko, Arrankudiaga-Zollo, Aiara, and Artziniega, participate in this initiative. The Council has called on the Okondo council to join as well and utilize the "Best Practices Guide," arguing that taking measures is "irreversible" and that they are at a key moment for Euskera's revitalization.
