Many visitors are surprised to learn that in Patagonia Argentina there is a small Welsh colony located in Gaiman , Chubut province. Gaiman means “sharpening stone” in Tehuelche and currently, having around 6000 inhabitants, it still maintains its culture intact: architecture from the early days, posters written in Wales by the streets and even the language is taught in schools.
Its roots: the history of Gaiman.
It is considered the first municipality of the province of Chubut and was founded in 1874 . Now, it is important to highlight that, in reality, the first to inhabit this area of Argentine Patagonia were the Tehuelches. The community was not very big and they lived in tolderías.
And although the landscape that prevailed at that time was almost desert, the Welsh advanced to begin the colonization. This is how on July 28, 1865, a boat arriving from Liverpool with 153 Welsh reached the shores of Chubut. They settled in the lower valley of the Río Chubut due to the lack of water and it was there that colonization focused and began to inhabit the area.
What was your main objective? Not only achieving higher economic well-being, but also maintaining the Welsh culture, traditions and language.
What does it produce?
Regarding the main activities, Gaiman produces cereals, vegetables and is in charge of sheep farming and development of lumber and dairy. In addition, in recent years it became a popular place for its Welsh tea houses, which made tourism another great income.
Customs and its famous tea houses.
A very common tradition in every Welsh family is Welsh tea. Over time the residents were in charge of maintaining their roots and today the Welsh tea is part of Gaiman's culture: hundreds of tourists visit its famous teahouses every year. In them you not only enjoy a delicious snack, but you can also feel the warm welcome of the Welsh descendants.
With what to accompany it? Most choose the famous Welsh black cake but there are other options such as cream cakes, walnut cakes, apple or chocolate cakes, scones or homemade bread with regional sweets. The most famous tea house is Ty Te Caerdydd, for nothing more and nothing less than having hosted Lady Di. November 25, 1995 was the date that Lady Di was in Argentina and that marked everyone in Gaiman.
“This house was visited by Lady Diana, Princess of Wales ”is what is written on the entrance of the house. In addition, as an exhibition and tribute, the space and the tea utensils that she used are also separated.
What else to go?
To get into the culture of this small town, it is a good idea to take the famous "Way of the Welsh" , a circuit of approximately 40 kilometers where you will see the wonderful views of the valley, the farms where regional produce was produced and some of the old Welsh chapels.
The Welsh Regional Historical Museum It also keeps history: more than 3000 objects related to the first settlements of the Welsh in Chubut are preserved here. It is located in the old Gaiman station, of the Patagonian National Railway . Parque el Desafío is a park for boys and girls that is on the banks of the Chubut River and was built in 1980 by Joaquín Alonso, a resident of Gaiman. The interesting thing about this place is that all the games are made from recycled elements and at the same time, it is full of phrases to reflect on during the time you walk around.
On the other hand, there is the Paleontological Park , on the Bryn Gwyn spot and 10 kilometers from Gaiman. Here you can take a walk and observe in the landscape replicas of marine animals that were found and that reach 10 million years old.
Another interesting way to get to know Gaiman is through the excursions that go to Punta Tombo, where you will know the famous colonies of Magellanic Penguins and on the return a stop is made in Gaiman to learn everything about its culture, place and enjoy a delicious tea Welsh.
Featured event in Gaiman: Landing Party.
Gwyl Glaniad or better known as the "Landing Festival" is celebrated every July 28. Where does the celebration begin? In the chapels, where the descendants of the Welsh settlers and the entire town itself go to enjoy Welsh tea, recreational games and even concerts.
How to get there
To get to Gaiman, the most accessible and recommended way is from Trelew, the distance is 17 kilometers. You can
rent a car and start the trip through Provincial Route 25. If you are in Puerto Madryn, the distance is greater: it is 80.9 kilometers away and is accessed through National Route No. 3, thus taking 1 hour and a half of travel.