San Francisco Zazpiak Bat

Established in 1961 after the formation of the San Francisco Basque Club, the Zazpiak Bat Dancers were first founded by Juan Tellechea (Lesaka) and then directed by Pierre Etcharren (Uharte Garazi). 64 years later the group is still going strong, bringing together San Francisco Bay Area youth to celebrate Basque Culture.

The group has performed through out the Western United States, Washington DC and the Basque Country. A touching moment was seeing Juan Tellechea at a performance in the Basque Country. He was overjoyed to see the group he had created doing well. The Zazpiak Bat dancers will be celebrating their 65th anniversary next year by formalizing a connection with Garaztarrak (Donibane Garazi). Building on the Sister Cities relationship between Donibane Garazi (Benafarroa) and South San Francisco, this will encourage long lasting friendships and collaboration between our youth and those from the Garazi area. Aupa dantzariak!