Sabin Etxea facts for kids
Sabin Etxea (which means "Sabin's House" in English) is the main office for the Basque Nationalist Party. It's located in a city called Bilbao, in a part of the city known as Abando. The building is named after Sabino Arana, who is seen as the founder of Basque nationalism.
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The Story of Sabin Etxea
Building a Family Home
Back in 1857, a man named Santiago Arana owned a shipyard in Bilbao. He decided to build a home for his family on Ibáñez Street. This house became Sabin Etxea. His son, Sabino Arana, who later started the Basque Nationalist Party, grew up in this house. Many of his first political ideas were formed right here.
Early Challenges and Changes
In 1898, the building faced an attack when people threw stones at it. Later, the Arana family had to sell the house because they needed money.
Becoming a Party Headquarters
Years later, in 1931, members of the Basque Nationalist Party in Bilbao needed a meeting place. Many thought Sabin Etxea would be perfect because of its history. The party rented the building, paying for it with membership fees and donations. Sabin Etxea was used for many things, like teaching the Basque language, holding dance classes, and organizing talks and trips. It was a center for both culture and politics.
Celebrating Basque Culture
In January 1932, the party planned a special holiday called Aberri Eguna (Basque Homeland Day). The event was moved to March 27, 1932. On that day, many Basque nationalists from all over the Basque Country came to Bilbao. A parade ended in front of Sabin Etxea, where a special plaque was put up to remember Sabino Arana.
Facing Difficult Times
As the Basque nationalist movement grew in 1933, the Spanish government tried to stop it. They arrested seven leaders and closed down the party's meeting places, including Sabin Etxea. However, the charges were dropped just two weeks later.
A Permanent Home for the Party
After being empty for many years, this important building was finally bought by the Basque Nationalists. It then became the official headquarters for the Basque Nationalist Party, a place that holds a lot of meaning for their history and future.
