With the aim of recovering the historical memory of Ondarroa, a documentary directed by the bertsolari Jon Maia will soon premiere. This work gathers the testimonies and experiences of hundreds of people, and their descendants, who arrived at the fishing port after the Spanish Civil War. These individuals had to leave their hometowns, mainly from Galicia, but also from Asturias, Extremadura, Andalusia, and Castilla y León, among other places, to start a new life in this coastal enclave.
The direction of the documentary has been led by the bertsolari Jon Maia, who has previously carried out similar works in other municipalities. The mayor of Ondarroa has stated that the bertsolari's profile is very suitable for giving due recognition and homage to all those people who, born outside the town, have made a significant contribution to Ondarroa.
“"We had a debt. The contribution of immigrants has always been enormous, and it was necessary to acknowledge it and thank them."
After more than a year of research, meetings, and interviews, the piece titled Berriz etorriko zera, in reference to a popular Ondarroa song, will premiere on Saturday the 9th from eight in the evening in a special function to be held at the municipal fronton. Although admission will be free, it is necessary to collect tickets at the tourism office.
In the documentary, the newcomers will share their personal experiences: how they arrived in Ondarroa, how they were welcomed in the town, and how they have lived their relationships, language, or work. To carry out the project, the Ondarroa City Council has had the support of the Department of Welfare, Youth, and Demographic Challenge of the Basque Government.
