History of Welsh Patagonia
Y Wladfa. To the Welsh somewhere magical. A name which creates an image of open spaces and freedom. The only place outside of Wales where it's possible to hear Welsh spoken by whole communities. Y Wladfa.
More and more people want to see this incredible corner of the world where people who came from Wales with the same traditions and beliefs settled, where life is as yet not so troubled by the problems of the 21st century.
As far back as 1862 there was talk of creating a colony by the Welsh but the dream finally came true in 1865 when the ship Mimosa sailed from Liverpool carrying the first group of emigrants. Through hard labour part of the Patagonia wilderness was transformed into a place that would attract a number of Welsh families over the next decades. A network of irrigation channels was created to water the Chubut Valley (or Dyffryn Camwy in Welsh), crops were planted and villages and trade systems were established and before long the young people had their sights firmly set on the West and its rich green valleys, great lakes and high mountains.
But the story doesn't finish there. The traditions were kept within the Welsh families through the ages and today you will see chapels and schools set up by the Welsh, you will travel roads which pass fields planted by the Welsh and you will chat with some of the descendants of the first families to come out from Wales to escape the hardship which existed after the Industrial Revolution in Wales. And you will have the opportunity to meet some of the young people who are committed to ensuring that these traditions and the language live on for future generations.
But remember that Patagonia and Y Wladfa has more than just history to offer! The contrast between the vast flatness of the desert and the majesty of the green Andean valleys is striking and for those who love nature there is a surplus of animals, birds and plants to be seen wherever you turn.
Where on earth (outside of Wales) can you go and speak Welsh, the language of heaven, with your guide, with local people at a social evening, in a school or museum? Where in the world can you see people who look Welsh, who speak Welsh, who go to Welsh activities but who have never actually been to Wales itself?!
Come with us to a unique place, come with us on a journey through a part of Welsh history which emigrated, come with us to experience life which may be geographically in South America but is a lot closer in our hearts.