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Cameron, Ainara and Sienna, young members of the Basque Club of North Queensland. Photo supplied
Pintxo (pin-cho) snacks washed down with refreshing kalimotxo (kali-mucho) await three young members of the Basque Club of North Queensland, who have been selected as Australia’s representatives in a prestigious month-long cultural and language immersion program in the Basque Country of Spain and France.
Ainara Kelly (19), Cameron Nelson (19) and Sienna Cottone (18) have departed from Townsville for north-eastern Spain, where they will join 50 other young international participants in the Basque Government’s Ateak Ireki (Open Doors) cultural exchange initiative.
The three young Australians successfully applied for the program, which will see them hosted by local Basque families while undertaking daily language classes, traditional cooking workshops, cultural activities and dance lessons. Participants will also travel throughout all seven Basque provinces across Spain and France, visiting significant historical, cultural and architectural landmarks.
The 2026 program marks a significant milestone as the first time Australia has participated in the exchange. Young people from Argentina, Uruguay, Canada and the United States will also take part.
The Basque Club of North Queensland is a vibrant community organisation based in Townsville dedicated to celebrating and preserving Basque culture, language, food and history.
With more than 250 members spanning multiple generations, the club provides opportunities for people of Basque heritage and friends of the community to connect through regular social gatherings, cultural events and educational activities.
The club forms part of a much larger North Queensland story, recognising the significant contribution of Basque migrants who settled in the region during the early and mid-20th century, many of whom worked in the sugar industry and helped shape the social and economic fabric of North Queensland communities.
“The selection of Ainara, Cameron and Sienna is a proud moment for our club and for the wider North Queensland Basque community,” a club spokesperson said.
“The opportunity for these young people to experience firsthand the language, traditions and daily life of the Basque Country will strengthen cultural connections and help ensure the continuation of Basque heritage for future generations.”
Contributed with thanks by Mark Kelly & Bruce Muller, of the Basque Club NQ
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