The Fifth Reunion
The Fifth International Reunion of the Bu/Bo/Butxaca took place on May 26 and 27 in Penelles.
Taking place on May 26 and 27 in Penelles (La Noguera), Catalonia, the Fifth International Reunion of the Boxaca brought together about 125 people, counting adults and children. Most attended only on Saturday. About 30 people attended both days, and one couple signed up to attend only on Sunday.
Many who attended were Boxaca linked to Penelles and neighboring towns, although we had stalwarts attend from Valldarques, Gerri, or elsewhere. We must recognize the three families from France and one person from Andorra who attended. As always, we appreciate the efforts of these cousins who came from so far away.
The Mayor of Penelles opened the reunion with welcoming remarks. We then had a moment of remembrance of those who have left us since the last reunion. We also announced births since our last meeting.
Through an elaborate audiovisual presentation, the different Boxaca branches were presented. Included were stories recited by family elders. These elders can still give verbally the stories of the "distant past" which they experienced first-hand.
Before lunch, we had a guided tour of the places in Penelles which figured in the history of the Boxaca ancestors here, the "houses" established here.
An abundant and excellent lunch was served in the meeting place.
The afternoon session started with recorded greetings from Soly and from Rick, in the USA. Rick's greeting told of his commitment to our human communication as members of the same family, and he endorsed the use of technical media to maintain this communication. This led into Josep's presentation of the genealogy program TMG (The Master Genealogist). Josep explained its possibilities, showing practical examples.
Before the Saturday-only attendees departed, we took two group photos to help us remember the event.
Aided by the accordion of Dino, we sang the anthem of the family in the Catalan and French versions. (In the next reunion, we hope to have a small chorus who will lead us in our singing.)
After dinner, we had an evening of music and dancing, with lively folk dances and popular music, thanks to the performances of two virtuosos on the diatonic accordion.
Attendees received a souvenir gift of a ceramic mug decorated with a humorous illustration of "pockets" (pertaining to our name, Boxaca).
The next day, we visited the "Llac d'Ivars", a wildlife reserve where migratory birds stop on their migrations.
After lunch, and lingering at the table afterwards, we said goodbye, looking forward to meeting again in 2015 in Barcelona.
The Organizers express our gratitude to all the attendees and to those whose work made the reunion possible.
Arrels
‘The Book of a Family’ is the detailed, informative account of our family's past, present and future.
Locations
We descend from workers of the land in Freixe, Catalonia. Today, the family is found throughout the world.