On 9 May the Basque Book and Disco Fair of this year was presented in the Baltsan society of Ziburu. Both organizers have shown their concern for the Basque in the presentation. These are the words of Ladix Arrosagarai de Baltsan: "Let us not deceive ourselves: the situation of the Basque country is serious. Our language is losing ground at the border. Let no one see anything natural or spontaneous. Here there is no chance, but the consequences of the linguicide that the political elections bring."

Arrosagarai adds that the problem is national: "In Euskal Herria we have the same challenge: although knowledge increases in most countries, it does not always ensure its use, since often the capacity acquired at school is not enough to guarantee life in Euskera and, in most cases, the possibilities of speaking only in Euskera are scarce or reduced. Institutions have such a responsibility there."

The organizers of the fair in Ziburu have committed themselves from the point of view of Basque culture to: "How can we give the Basque people, those who have learned Basque at school or those who are at AEK the peace, enthusiasm and opportunity to express themselves in Basque? Multiplying the respiratory areas and looking for density and quality in them. Quality? The vitality and dynamism of our people, through the dissemination and promotion of creation, literature and music with wealth and diversity, developing values of work and solidarity. Density? Creating strong breathing spaces, in which the Basque language will be the main language of communication, living relationships, exchanges, reflections, debates or knowledge with tranquility, normality and spontaneity, without needing to explain or justify anything".

They have appealed to the citizens to participate in the fair in Ziburu: "It is not easy for us to be Basque and to live in Euskera, but fortunately we feel part of that long chain, which is the link of that race that comes from the past. Above all denials and below all discrimination, we are always here: let us fill the Basque seats and let us live! ".

Increase in the number of editorials and papers presented

Jenofa Berhokoirigoin, from ARGIA, has recalled the two characteristics he has had since its inception: "To be a fair of productions entirely in Basque and to be directed to the entire Basque Country, uniting organizers, editorials, writers, musicians and visitors from both sides of the border". The organization has stressed that these elections have been "speedy" year after year, as can be seen in the graph:

The first edition had the participation of 16 publishers, and after a year of growth, this year there will be 36 publishers in Ziburu. More people have asked to be present, but once the space has run out, the four editorials that have been the last to call will not be present. Of the nine publishers that will participate for the first time this year, three are record labels (Adar, Maitakultura and Usopop) and six other publishers (Berria, Eguzki Loreak, Katakrak, UEU, UPV and CTK).

In fact, the size of the fair is the Plaza de Ziburu, the choice of the organizers, and year after year the cultural creation in Basque has been gaining more meters: the first year was 150 square meters that occupied the market and this year 450 square meters. Space has been expanded in the search for cultural innovations so that citizens move comfortably and, on the other hand, the number of creative tables has increased among all publishers: 52 meters in the first year, 112 in this year. It is evident that the publishers provide an increasingly wide offer to the fair, as more and more citizens come to Ziburu: although the organizers do not have data from those of the years of its foundation, they have had, received, had, had a visit of 21.

News of the Fair this year

Maddi Zubeldia, from the Baltsan association, has explained the news this year: the fair will pay tribute to Luzien Etxezaharreta, in recognition of his "difficult work by Basque literature through the Maier magazine". The round table Zubiburu, which opens the fair, will be formed by its own and the editor Leire López of the editorial Susa.

As in previous years, there will be a child show in the morning, an improvisation of bertso-drawing at noon and a mood session after the meal. Throughout the day there will be six book presentations and a closing concert.

In addition, for the first time four mini concerts will be offered in the afternoon in the new musical space. With respect to previous editions, the exhibition’s spectacular will outstrip the fronton brands. In total, the fair will have five spaces: the main space will remain the pediment and as every year the fair will be held; the presentations of books and cultural events will be held in the small tent that will be placed in front of the Casa Consistorial; the old fountain will welcome as every year the spectacular children’s audience; a covered stage will be placed against the Casa Consistorial and the square of the ball, where the mini concerts will be offered;

DBH2 from Piarres Larzabal School. At level 2, Dani Fano gave a lecture on the comic book and introduced the kids to Xabiroi magazine. The 3rd ESO students will receive the visit of the Baltsan Association and will try to answer fifteen questions by groups about the fair: the ten most successful students will receive a 10 euro voucher to exchange for comics and books at the fair.

The Basque Cultural Institute and the Casa Consistorial of Ziburu congratulate the fair

The Basque head of the Casa Consistorial de Ziburu, Fanny Lascube, has made the following statements: "Thanks to the organizers, this fair that had a challenge since the year of its foundation, has managed to propose to the people an event entirely in Basque and has managed to dedicate one day to the Basque community. It has become a quotation and is increasingly popular: as a filmmaker it is a pleasure to see the plaza thanks to the Basque culture, and it is a good opportunity to recognize the immense work done by creators and publishers in Basque. From the point of view of linguistic policy, it is important to turn the plaza into a respiratory center, helps to euskaldunify our people and demonstrates that we are not four cats, that an entire community is eager to live in Basque, and that it is not a whim, but a right".

Lieutenant Leire Larrasa has especially highlighted the eye-catching child audience: "The children of the town participate in this show and through it they realize that many children are not a language linked to school, which can be used with pleasure."

Maia Etxandi of Euskal Kultur Erakundea has also shown satisfaction: "Year after year we have seen that the fair has gradually grown in participation and in the rich programming it offers. The data show that the fair responds to a need and desire of both publishers and citizens".

In May, to set up, two arrats

Although the main quote is June 3, in May two cultural events have been organized to set the city:

The writer Gotzon Barandiaran and singer Rafa Rueda gave a musical talk entitled Hitzen Ahairea on 3 May. Here's the chronicle.

Invisible. Look at Azkarate Badiola presents the book "The Children of Exiles," and this book that Gara has just published will also talk about some who have testified. It will take place on 16 May at 18:30.

Partners

In the presentation of the fair, the organizers thanked the participants for their collaboration: "We thank the participants who support the fair by providing their advice and technical, economic and media support": Euskal Irratia, Euskal Kultur Erakundea, Euskal Hiri Elkargoa and Ziburuko Herria.

They also thanked the sponsors: "Bertsolarien Lagunak Elkartea, with the collaboration of an outline that gives a special place to the bertso. And the Atalaia, Boga and Bittor accommodations, which besides being the sponsors of the event, will guarantee the Basque servers and music all day in Basque."

Doinuele, member of the network of places in Basque

United by the same objectives, between the plazas and fairs of eight localities have created this year Doinuele (in this news all the details), a network of squares entirely in Basque: "We want to bring from the shadow to the spectacularity the plazas, proposing throughout the year a tour of Euskal Herria to the reader and fond of music, demonstrating that the initiatives entirely in Basque have not been mutually reinforcing."

After this tour, the Ziburu stage will witness the Zarautz Literature.