The 110th-anniversary
by Eduardo Storch
San Javier, founded by Russian immigrants in July 1913 - part 2
On July 29, while almost 13,000 km away, the war unleashed a year and a half ago between Russia and Ukraine continues; in the department of Río Negro (Uruguay), it was held the 110th anniversary of the founding of the colony of San Javier.
San Javier is 367 kilometres from Montevideo and is known as the "national capital of the sunflower" since Russian immigrants introduced its cultivation and began its industrialization in Uruguay.
From what I was able to find out. However, the first immigration was fundamentally Russian; there were also other Slavic nationalities and, according to what I was told, at that time, they spoke a "Russian mix from San Javier", in which the Russian, Ukrainian and Polish languages were mixed with Spanish.
Some time ago, I posted an article and photos about the Russians of San Javier on the “Progressive Street Photography” page on Facebook, the link to which is attached at the end of this article.
On this occasion, I want to share some photos from the 110th-anniversary celebrations.
The town was filled with visitors from all parts of the country, many of them grandchildren or great-grandchildren of the founders, who, over the years, have incorporated local customs while maintaining, although somewhat diluted, some traditions of their grandparents.
On Saturday, July 29, there were commemorative acts and a great popular dance in the town square. On Sunday, the day I arrived with some friends, in addition to the protocol acts with the local authorities. There was a cavalry parade, traditional activities and others that rescued the historical aspects of the area.
After the parade, various artistic shows were displayed in the town square, including the participation of a group of Russian dances from Argentina and also a craft and gastronomic fair.
At the "Maximo Gorki Cultural Center", a massive lunch was he”, which is already traditional on these dates, followed by a varied Russian folk art show.
Before returning to the capital, we walk among the visitors, taking the opportunity to take pictures and enjoy the kindness that characterizes the people of the country's interior.
