It is not usual for concerts to be organized in the church and festival txosnas. In the Usurbil neighborhood, however, it is a tradition of several decades. Aginaga has always had a strong popular character and the old church has played a role as a meeting point since the 1960s. Among others, groups such as Kaotiko or Su ta Gar have acted.

If the City Hall does not, we will

“Although we have used it for years, in recent years we realized that the church was falling apart,” says the ordinance Aritz Aranburu, “the walls were falling, we had leaks, the windows were plugged. We asked the City Council of Usurbil several times to do repairs, but it was not in its priorities and they were delaying the work.” Finally, in 2009, the neighbors decided to take the step themselves.

Thus, they created the Bidean Agiñarron Popular Association, which brings together young people and adults. Two builders from the village were convinced to leave material for repair work and to carry out advisory work. Subsequently, once their projects were brought together in a report, they succeeded in convincing the City Hall that it should carry out its work in Getxo. Despite the fact that the neighbors managed to raise funds in auzolan, the City Council paid them the expenses of the company. “We have done all the repair work among the citizens,” Aranburu explains, “we have learned as we have taken tools and we have done it.”

The work began in February 2013 and the first reform of the Employment Act was completed in six months. Since the inaugural meal was held, the church of Aginaga has fulfilled the function of the previous meeting point. “We want it to be an accessible day-to-day center. Previously, in addition to the function for your party, we have added cultural activities. For the time being we have performed poetry recitals, bertsos dinners and plays, but our intention is to make a more continuous project that will bring life to the people. We want to carry out activities that the whole neighborhood can enjoy, such as Pilates for Seniors or the Children’s Refuge.”

The neighbour has acknowledged that it is difficult to create and maintain such a project, with the intention of meeting the objectives. “We are the engine of these kinds of projects young people, but we too have a lot of work and occupation throughout the year, and we cannot devote the time we want. On the other hand, as it has been a place of struggle and celebration so far, it is proving difficult for people of different ages to say that the church is also theirs. We think we’re going to get it gradually.”

The prescriptions are about to enter the second phase of the repair. In order to rebuild the upper floor, the money is expected to be raised through crowdfunding. “And to do so, we are making known Aginaga’s image abroad. If people believe in our project, it will help you.”