The Welsh Colony in Patagonia was established in 1865 when over 150 Welsh settlers sailed to Southern Argentina with the promise of green and fertile land - a new life in a new country. Hundreds followed creating thriving Welsh communities.

 

These days only a small proportion of the population of these towns and villages are of purely Welsh origin. However, it is estimated that at least a third have some Welsh blood in their veins and there remains a strong sense of Welsh culture and heritage in the region. 

 

The Wales-Argentina Society, founded in 1939, has strengthened the link between the two countries whilst also promoting Welsh culture and heritage. To ensure that this strong link remains the Society arranges and sponsors exchanges for teachers, students and ministers between Wales and Argentina.

 

Large and small Eisteddfod events are held each year across the communities, and choral competitions are a strong feature. Traditional Welsh folk songs are rarely sung however, which has inspired local group, Cymdeithas Cymru- Ariannin, to hold a series of workshops across the Patagonian Welsh communities.   

 

These workshops will work to improve the unique folk element of singing which has become such a significant part of Eisteddfod competition in Wales. Donations to the Global Giving Circle will pay for expert teachers from Wales to travel to the Welsh villages of Trelew, Gaiman, Esquel and Trevelin to upskill Patagonian teachers and introduce music students to the art of traditional Welsh folk singing, thus giving them the confidence to coach singers in this distinctive style.