The Gwladfa today
If you expect to walk into any shop in Patagonia and speak Welsh you'll be disappointed as the language has ceased to be the language of trade for decades but the connections between the mother country Wales and Patagonia are stronger than they have been for years. In 1965 the centenary of the landing of the Mimosa was celebrated and the flame of friendship was relit between the two nations. In 1997 the Dysgu Cymraeg yn y Wladfa project (Teaching Welsh in the Gwladfa) under the sponsorship of the Welsh National Assembly government was set up to enable three tutors from Wales to lead local teams who are teaching the Welsh language in the different areas. Certainly it is not just old people speaking the language in their homes but a new group of young enthusiastic people who are taking an interest again in the traditions of their forefathers so don't be surprised if you see a Welsh-speaking gaucho or tour guide!
There are a number of examples of the Welsh heritage remaining in Patagonia today from the place names like Trelew, Dolafon, Trevelin to the tea houses which prepare a traditional tea that has not been seen in Wales for years to the Eisteddfodau. Also the main festivals are celebrated like St. David's Day and Gwyl y Glaniad which celebrates the day on which the first settlers landed. There are Welsh choirs in the Valley and the Andes and folk dancing groups as far south as Comodoro Rivadavia. Social activities have taken on a new look under the leadership of energetic workers who are sent under the wing of the Menter Iaith movement in order to promote the use of the Welsh language outside of the classroom. They run kids' clubs, computer classes, conversation classes, celebrations, suppers, quizzes...anything which gives the Welsh community the chance to get together!