2015 will be the 150th anniversary since Welsh settlers arrived in Patagonia. The 1865 settlement of ‘Y Wladfa’ has started a number of well known traditions such as the "Torta Galesa" (literally Welsh cake) which is enjoyed throughout Argentina.
Today the province of Chubut where most Welsh immigrants settled has a population of 550,000 people. Of these some 50,000 can claim Welsh ancestry and 5,000 speak the Welsh language.
Since 1965 the Eisteddfod del Chubut, a poetry and song competition in Spanish and Welsh has become a key annual event in the provincial calendar. Eisteddfodau are long standing Welsh festivals that have been held since 1172.
And the relationship between Wales and Chubut is supported by the commitments of the Welsh Assembly Government. A memorandum of understanding was first signed in 2001 and re-affirmed in 2007.
http://www.glaniad.com/ was established in 2005 to document the history of the Welsh community in Patagonia in Welsh, Spanish and English. It includes digitised material of the history of the Welsh community in Patagonia.
For more information on the links between Wales and Chubut and trade and investment opportunities with Wales for Argentine companies and businesses visit the British Embassy Buenos Aires’ website at http://ukinargentina.fco.gov.uk
Further links
About Wales
Everything you need to know about our language, sport, history, culture…….
Visiting Wales
Official tourism site for Wales with travel information, accommodation and holiday packages
Business Wales
Welsh Assembly Government business site for international trade and investment activities.
National Eisteddfod of Wales
The Eisteddfod is a cultural, artistic festival; one of the largest festivals in Europe alternating between south and north Wales, attracting over 170,000 visitors, and 7,000 competitors.
