A Week of Learning and Culture in the Basque Country

 The Basque Country, located in the north of Spain, is a region rich in history and culture. It's also a place where the scars of the Spanish Civil War and the Franco regime can still be felt. A group of students recently had the opportunity to explore the region's past and present during a week-long trip to Tolosa, a small town in the heart of the Basque Country.

The focus of the trip was the study of the violation of human rights during the Spanish Civil War and the Franco regime. The students started their week with a presentation at the town hall, where they learned about the importance of Tolosa for Gipuzkoa and had the chance to ask questions about the Basque reality. They also participated in activities related to Basque culture, such as traditional sports and games, and enjoyed a concert featuring famous Basque songs.

On Tuesday, the students delved into the topic of human rights violations during the Civil War and the Franco regime. They organized a market in which each stall explained a different type of violation and how it affected society. Topics included LGTBIQ+ rights, concentration camps, jails, women’s issues, and stolen babies. Each delegation also prepared a research project and presentation about how their country participated in the Spanish Civil War. In the afternoon, a researcher from the Galtzaundi Association presented his paper about how Francoism repressed the Basque language in Tolosa during the dictatorship.

Wednesday was spent in San Sebastian, where the students received a guided tour of the city's architecture and history, specifically related to the Civil War and its aftermath. One group visited the San Telmo Museum, which focuses on the history of the Basque Country, while the other group explored the city's streets and landmarks.

Thursday's highlight was a visit to Guernica, a town famous for its devastating bombing during the Civil War. The students started at the Peace Museum, where they learned about the bombing and how it affected the town and its surroundings. They then explored the town to see the consequences of the war up close.

Finally, on Friday, the students returned home, having gained a deeper understanding of the Basque Country's history and culture. The trip was an opportunity to learn about the past while also celebrating the present, as the students experienced the warmth and hospitality of the Basque people. For anyone interested in history, culture, or simply exploring new places, the Basque Country is a must-visit destination.