Neighbours Meals "to break biases and stigmas"
- The Bizilagunak project will be organised on 17 November. Migrants, refugees and their families will gather to eat in Álava – it will also be organised in Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa. It will be the fourth time this year this special day is celebrated among people from different cultures around the world.
Angelines Ortiz de Arrizabaleta (Salvatierra, 1957) and Nora Reyes (Neyba, Dominican Republic, 1961) participated in the three previous editions of the Bizilagunak project (Agurain) in which they have known international cultures. In the interview, in addition to commenting on the relationship that has been maintained with other people, we will discuss their experience carefully.
What are the objectives of the Bizilagunak project?
Angelines Ortiz: The objective, as the project indicates, is the creation of neighbours. The aim is to create a network that serves as a connection between different cultures. It is an awareness-raising effort to break down prejudice and stigma.
Nora Reyes: We don't just organize a meal between two families or two groups of friends. Through this food, we intend to maintain those relationships and give way to cultural diversity. These meals give way to coexistence.
What does this project bring to you?
N.R. : The fruit of the project is enriching for the people. It helps to strengthen the relationship between the locals and those who come from abroad. Both the host and guest roles are interesting. I've been on both sides.
A.O. : I have also played host and guest role. These meals serve to debate or share ideas on issues that are not spoken on the street, in this sense it is very interesting. Companionship is also generated.
To what extent are the aguraindarras and Basque citizenship involved?
A.O. : I believe that Basque citizenship is giving a good answer. I think there is an interest in international cultures, and as the years go by, more and more Basques are signalling themselves. But it's not a trend that changes from one day to the next.
N.R. : Perhaps their involvement is insufficient. It is possible that in future editions the emphasis will have to be placed there. We gather a lot of international people, but I at least see the lack of people here. Wait for the amount to increase.
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