San Javier (Сан-Хавьер) is a town situated on the east bank of the river Río Uruguay in the Río Negro Department of Uruguay. It was founded in 1913 by a Russian group of settlers, members of the New Israel religious sect, who migrated under the influence of the then spiritual leader Vasily Lubkov, from the Voronezh region of Russia.

Geography

It is located west of Route 24, north of the department capital Fray Bentos, west of Young and south of Paysandú, the capital of Paysandú Department. Russian is the second official language after Spanish.

History

A populated centre was founded here by 300 families of Russian settlers on 27 July 1913

On 1 July 1953, the status of San Javier was elevated to "Pueblo" (village) by the Act of Ley Nº 11.969. Until then, it had been the head of the judicial section of "Bellaco". On 17 November 1964 its status was further elevated to "Villa" (town) by the Act of Ley Nº 13.299.

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.

Population

In 2011, San Javier had a population of 1,781, of which 98% were of Russian descent.

{| class="wikitable" style="line-height:1.1em;"

! Year || Population

|- align="right"

| 1908 || 986

|- align="right"

| 1963 || 1,178

|- align="right"

| 1975 || 940

|- align="right"

| 1985 || 1,461

|- align="right"

| 1996 || 1,358

|- align="right"

| 2004 || 1,680

|- align="right"

| 2011 || 1,781

|}

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística de Uruguay

Esteros de Farrapos National Park

The town is one of two access points for the new Esteros de Farrapos National Park 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 one of 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.

Bibliography

References

  • 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