150 year bond with Patagonia strong and lasting says First Minister

In 1865, nearly 160 settlers boarded the Mimosa to settle along the coast of Chubut Province in Patagonia.

150 years later, 50,000 Patagonians of Welsh descent live in the region and today the First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones will fly out to meet some of them.

As part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of the establishment of the Welsh settlement ‘Y Wladfa’ the First Minister will be undertaking a range of engagements across Patagonia.

He will also be attending the official events taking place in Puerto Madryn which have been organised by the Chubut Government to mark the anniversary. These events will be attended by politicians, dignitaries and the Welsh communities from across Chubut.

Speaking ahead of the visit Carwyn Jones said:

“In 1865 men, women and children boarded the Mimosa to make the long and perilous journey to a distant land.

“They left to make a new life for themselves, for a brighter future for their families and made their home in the Chubut province in Patagonia.

“When they left Wales they took a part of it with them. Not only did they take the language and our distinct cultural heritage; they also took with them their Welsh heart and their Welsh soul.

“150 years have passed and that little piece of Wales in South America lives on – our bond with Patagonia remains strong and lasting.

“The descendants of Welsh settlers in Argentina have a special place in the minds of people in Wales and the reverse is also true. I hope this lasts long into the future and during my visit I look forward to cementing and celebrating the links that still exist, despite there being 7,500 miles between us.”