The association Euskal Herrian Euskaraz (EHE) has organized the Second Meeting of Independentist Euskaltzales in Azpeitia, scheduled for April 24 and 25. The main purpose of these events is to foster the resurgence of Euskaltzales, create networks within the community, and revitalize the daily struggle, uniting citizens in favor of the Basque language. According to the organizers, the ultimate goal is the Republic of Euskera, seeking to “build a Basque-speaking, free, and sovereign Basque Country”.
EHE was founded in 1979 with the mission to respond to the oppression suffered by the Basque language and Euskaltzales, and to form a Basque-speaking and independent Basque Country. The first edition of the Independentist Euskaltzales Meeting took place three years ago in Villabona, and the intention is to organize them every two or three years. The reflections and debates arising from these sessions will serve as a basis for the association's future activities.
The objectives from previous editions remain: to explore ways to nurture and strengthen Basque-speaking and sovereign processes; to reflect on the new challenges facing the Basque language movement and integrate them into the direction of the Republic of Euskera; and to network and strengthen the community of independentist Euskaltzales.
However, the starting point for these meetings is different, given the new challenges and threats facing the Basque language and Euskal Herria. Among these, they mention the “supremacist” and “linguistic” policies of the French and Spanish states; the “media, political, and trade union offensive”; and the growing “power” of the far-right. To confront this situation, they have emphasized the need for the Republic of Euskera and independence, and have denounced the lack of necessary resources for the normalization of the Basque language.
“"To reflect, train, learn, play, have fun, and network."
A varied two-day agenda has been prepared, designed to satisfy interests of all ages. The meetings will begin on Friday afternoon with the event “Ongi Etorri Euskararen Errepublikara” and will address the topic of migrations. A researcher's lecture will share data, reflections, and conclusions from a study on the prejudices and beliefs of Euskaldunes towards citizens of foreign origin. Subsequently, three people who arrived from abroad and became Basque speakers will share their experiences. For the evening, an entertainment offer has been organized.
On Saturday morning, a central round table titled “Euskaratik Independentziara” will be held, with the participation of various Basque-speaking and independentist entities. In it, each will present their proposals, plans, and work on the path from the Basque language to independence. In the afternoon, eight workshops will be offered in two shifts, two of them practical. These workshops will address topics relevant to EHE in the current context. In the evening, there will be concerts by Tapia eta Leturia Band and Maruxak, as well as a DJ set at the San Agustin Kulturgunea.
Tickets for Saturday's lunch and concerts are available for purchase. Free accommodation will be offered for both Friday and Saturday, and registration for the conferences must be done through the same form. Although primarily aimed at independentist Euskaltzales, the invitation has been extended to all Euskaltzales of Euskal Herria.
