On October 15, the New Mexico Euskal Etxea held its first annual picnic. For photos from the event, please visit the photo gallery.

Samuel Ulibarri gives us his view of the picnic:

Ode to the Basque Picnic
By Samuel Ulibarri

The moon shone bright over the Rio Grande valley around Peña Blanca, NM. Two Basque shepherds lay in their tent for the night, tired from the preparations that had been made that day. The younger one slept while the older one dreamt. Their flock lay outside, buried for the night over a bed of red-hot coals. While the coyotes serenaded, a lone elk bugled, all heralding the coming cold.

The sun brought the new day and the shepherds awoke. Today they would come, along with the fun that accompanies food and revelry. In twos they arrived, eager inside for the turnout of their long planned picnic. The Peña Blanca orchard was transformed to a fun-time platform, with a tent, rows of tables, and wine. The lamb was dug up and was soon to be cut up, a sacrifice to feed their guests.

The clouds gray and stormy did not hamper the guests. They came and together they ate, a big feast not fit for a king, but the New Mexico Euskal Etxea and their 1st annual Basque shepherds' picnic. Despite a downpour of rain athletes performed their feats of great skill and good luck. An egg toss ensued, yes they played with their food, a sport to put monarchs to shame. Races 'tween children and irrintsi from both, it was clear that the Basques had come. Txingas were carried through the rain and the mud, male testosterone surely did flow. This sport of endurance could make you or break you, but remember it's all just in jest. A soka-tira in the rain, would cause great shame to the team who could not out-perform. Basque espirit de corp sums up the event that will hopefully happen next year. To all who attended much thanks and great praise, may its memory live on in your hearts. ¡Euskal Herria!

Traditional Basque Games	Champion
Txingas (weight carrying)	Lance Renfro
Irrintsi (Basque "Cry of Joy")	Ron Paneboeuf
Soka-Tira (Tug of War)	Alex Monasterio, Ron Paneboeuf, Blas Uberuaga, Manuel Monasterio, and Samuel Ulibarri
Traditional Basque/American Games
Egg Toss	Samuel Ulibarri and Allana Emrick
Three-Legged Race	Lance Renfro and Lance Renfro Jr
Gunnysack Race	Alex Monasterio

Eskerrik asko to everyone who participated; playing a game or cheering the players on, and ultimately joyfully keeping these traditions alive! - Suzanne Uberuaga