Alkiza established its Basque language learning center in 1976, and to commemorate its 50th anniversary, events titled 'Alkiza, a link in the path of euskaldunization' are being held. The initiative aims to highlight the municipality's significance as a reference point in the history of the Basque language recovery process.
On Friday, a book written by journalist Garbiñe Ubeda and a documentary summarizing the center's journey will be presented. Saturday will feature a festive program, including a traditional dance session and the play 'Txondor plaza'.
Mayor Inaki Irazabalbeitia emphasized that these events are an exercise in memory, aiming to reclaim the municipality's past importance in Basque language education. The year 1976 was pivotal, coinciding with the end of Franco's regime and the establishment of several organizations crucial for Basque language normalization.
Driven by Luispe Gutierrez from Donostia and Iñaki Orbegozo, they contacted Joxe Agirre, the parish priest in Alkiza at the time. The priest actively sought farmhouses to host students and allocated some rooms in the rectory.
Joxan Sagastizabal was among the students who attended the center, and based on his experiences, he wrote the book Kutsidazu bidea, Ixabel. Subsequently, from 1981 to 1997, Ilazki euskaltegia organized summer courses there, where thousands of citizens learned Basque and engaged in local life.
In 1990, the Basque Government's Department of Education integrated the center into the Euskal Girotze Barnetegiak network to offer children an immersive Basque experience. However, in 2017, following the demolition of the school and the relocation of students to the rectory, the center's operations ceased and it was moved to Hondarribia.
According to Irazabalbeitia, the center generated economic activity and cultural change in Alkiza, "putting us on the map." The book by Garbiñe Ubeda covers the center's three historical phases, incorporating testimonies from numerous protagonists.
Ubeda highlights that the book provides a broader context for the efforts made in Basque language recovery, and while Alkiza is central, the narrative is more universal. Events will take place on Friday in the town hall's attic, and on Saturday, a dance session in the square and a play in the afternoon.
