Eisteddfod, only for connoisseurs

It is to imagine the face of surprise before any Argentinian who overcomes the word Eisteddfod. From a non-Spanish language and with a certain complexity both in its pronunciation and in its writing, this term lies in Chubut‘s lands. All Patagonians know not only about the existence of the word, but also about its meaning.

The term Eisteddfod means “sitting” and alludes to that role of the viewer, of enjoying a show at rest. Its origin in Patagonian lands has to do with Welsh colonization in the second half of the 19th century. The story tells that Welshimmigrants, when they arrived in Chubut, had the need to gather together to make music, sing and expose your creative potential to the fullest . This is how the first Eisteddfods of Patagonia originate.

So, what are the Eisteddfods? They are simply cultural festivals. Or rather the Festival of poetry, music and dance of Chubut. In this, we recreate the main expressions cultural rights in the Welsh language. Although there is also room for folklore and the most popular artistic expressions of our country.

Cultural competencies incorporate disciplines such as singing, dance, musical instrument performance, recitation, poetry, translations, handicrafts, drawing, photography, painting, sewing, weaving, plastic arts, graphic design and video. All activities are carried out in both Welsh and Spanish languages.

When and where is it celebrated in Chubut?

This activity brings together not only participants from the Patagonian region, but also from Argentina and other countries of the world. In September, the Youth Eisteddfod is held in the city of Gaiman for children and young people up to 25 years of age.

Then, in October, the Chubut Eisteddfod is held for young and old people in Trelew. Also in the cities of Madryn, Dolavon and Trevelin, local Eisteddfods are made.

Laura Exposito

Madrynense y argentina. Lic. en RRPP (UP), especializada en Comunicación e Identidad Corporativa (UNIR) y docente universitaria. Apasionada por la comunicación en todas sus expresiones, porque como dice Paul Watzlawick “Todo Comunica”… las palabras, las reacciones y nuestro cuerpo. Mi desafío profesional es cuidar de “ese todo”, aportando mis conocimientos y gestionando las herramientas necesarias para que las comunicaciones fluyan como las olas del mar.