Representatives of the municipality's African associations defended their roots and contribution to society, emphasizing that they work, pay taxes, and live their lives normally here, aiming to integrate and coexist without renouncing their origins. "The important thing is that the people of Durango come to celebrate with us. It would make no sense to organize it just for ourselves; we do it to get to know each other. We have lived here for half our lives and we feel Basque. I work, pay taxes, and spend my earnings here on rent, food, clothing, and education. Our children were born here and want to be Basque because that's how they feel; they don't know Africa," stated members of the involved associations: Mlomp Cultural Association (Beatrice Senghor), Association of Friends of Ghana La Paz Amor (Gerald Stevens), and Association for Aid to Senegal Fraternidad Sen Euskadi (Joao Maguar Gomes).
The Africa Day program will take place from June 4 to 6. In the educational sphere, Durango's educational centers will actively participate in activities designed to bring students closer to African culture and the reality of its diaspora. Notable among these are film screenings, featuring short and feature films accompanied by director presentations, allowing students to delve into the stories and experiences of various African countries.
In the community sphere, citizens can enjoy screenings at the Zugaza cinema on Thursday, June 4, starting at 7:00 PM, with the inauguration and the short film Les Enfants de la Diaspora (8’), featuring a remote presentation by director Sabrina Onana, followed by Los Cayucos de Kayar (29’) with a live presentation by director Thimbo Samb. The day will conclude with a panel discussion from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM to delve deeper into the themes addressed in the films.
In the socio-cultural realm, Durango will host a series of activities throughout the weekend in Andra Mari and Landako Gunea. On Friday, June 5, at 8:30 PM, there will be concerts by Jeffrey Nku (Ghana), performing contemporary Christian and worship music, and Weblezz Owen (Nigeria), with Afrobeat R&B from Benin. On Saturday, June 6, in Andra Mari, the day begins at 11:45 AM with Batukada animation, followed by a dance performance by the Senegalese group MLOMP at 12:30 PM, and the declaration of Durango's African associations at 12:45 PM. Subsequently, there will be a second performance by MLOMP, followed at 1:45 PM by a street parade to Landako with Batukada. In Landako, programming continues at 2:00 PM with a popular community meal and at 4:00 PM with a set by DJ Gaby. The celebration concludes in Andra Mari at 8:30 PM with a Senegalese dance performance by Mame Cheikh (Sabar).
The Councilor for Social Welfare and Immigration, Jesica Ruiz, highlighted the importance of these activities in strengthening coexistence and respect for cultural diversity. “Africa Day allows us to approach other cultures, recognize their contributions to the municipality, and better understand their realities. It is a space to learn, enjoy, and strengthen social cohesion,” stated Ruiz. The councilor also emphasized the essential role of all collaborating associations, noting that their joint work enables the offering of a comprehensive, inclusive, and educational program that benefits all citizens.
For her part, Arantza Barrenetxea, Councilor for Events, emphasized the significance of Africa Day's cultural programming as a driver for revitalizing the municipality's life and bringing diversity closer to the entire citizenry. “These activities not only allow enjoyment of music, dance, and workshops but also strengthen ties between different communities and foster active participation from all residents of Durango,” affirmed Barrenetxea. She also underscored the indispensable collaboration of the involved associations, highlighting that their collective effort has made it possible to offer a quality, inclusive, and attractive program for all ages.
