San Javier, Uruguay

San Javier
—  Town  —
Plaza de la Libertad, San Javier
San Javier Location in Uruguay
Coordinates: 32°41′0″S 58°8′0″W
Country	Uruguay
Department	Río Negro Department
Elevation	23 m (75 ft)
Population (2004)
• Total	1,680
Time zone	UTC -3
Postal code	65001
Area code(s)	+598 4569

San Javier (Russian: Сан-Хавьер) is a small town (villa) situated on the east bank of the river Río Uruguay in the Río Negro Department of Uruguay. It was founded by Russian settlers in 1913. It is located 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) west of Route 24, 95 kilometres (59 mi) north of the department capital Fray Bentos, 55 kilometres (34 mi) west of Young and 50 kilometres (31 mi) south of Paysandú, the capital of Paysandú Department. Its status was elevated to "Villa" on 17 November 1964 by decree Ley No. 13.299. Russian is the second official language after Spanish.^{[citation needed]}

Population

In 2004, San Javier had a population of 1,680, of which 98% were of Russian descent.

Year	Population
1963	1,158
1975	940
1985	1,461
1996	1,358
2004	1,680

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística de Uruguay

History

The town was founded by 300 families of Russian settlers on 27 July 1913. They belonged to the Russian sect New Israel and were seeking religious freedom, which was denied to them under the Czar. Their leader, Basilio Lubkov had been imprisoned in Russia as a religious dissident. The settlers introduced the sunflower, as well as some advanced agricultural techniques to Uruguay. They constructed a flour mill and the first sunflower oil producing plant in the country.

Military Dictatorship (1973-84)

During the Uruguayan military dictatorship (1973–84) the Russian inhabitants were persecuted, as the military saw each one as a possible communist sympathizer. Many residents stopped speaking Russian, and most Russian books were destroyed. The cultural centre Máximo Gorki—where music, dance and other cultural activities were held—was closed, and traditional dance costumes were burnt. In 1984, the town became known throughout Uruguay for the execution of Vladimir Roslik, a Russian-Uruguayan medical doctor who was tortured and later killed by the Uruguayan military. For some he is a hero and a symbol of internal struggle in Uruguay.

Return of Democracy

With the restoration of democracy by 1989, the cultural centre Máximo Gorki has again been revived as a focal point for cultural activities in the town. It is home of the traditional dance group Kalinka, who have won many prizes in Uruguayan dance competitions.

Today the inhabitants of San Javier are proud to have maintained many of their traditions, including food, dances, embroidery and music. They celebrate a festival on 27 July, the date of foundation, with a feast of traditional food, music and dancing. Over the years, Russian marriages have been memorable events with three days of festivities that include dancing, singing, and traditional meals.

Esteros de Farrapos National Park

The town is one of two access points for the new Parco National Esteros de Farrapos and Islands of the Uruguay River, which is recognised under the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Significance. Esteros de Farrapos which is 17,496 Ha, includes 24 islands. It is the last known refuge for the Puma in Uruguay, and the only protected area where Maned Wolf have been recorded. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded in the park, 30 mammals, 14 reptiles, 8 amphibians and many butterflies.

Tourism is not yet well developed in the park, however there is limited accommodation in San Javier, and a well-equipped camping area at nearby Puerto Viejo (‘Old Port’). Activities including fishing, boating, horse riding and birdwatching. Boats are available for hire, as well as experienced nature guides.

External links

• Ramsar Nomination
• Article from El Pais newspaper
• Environment group - Proteger
• www.sanjavier.unlugar.com Oscar Sergio Malarov Urivsky
• www.museodelosinmigrantes.blogspot.com Museum of Russian immigrant pioneers in San Javier (Leonardo Martinez)
• INE map of San Javier