Villa Montes commemora this Thursday, July 24 165 years of foundationevoking the year 1860, when Franciscan Missionaries Alejandro Corrado and Marino Mariani established the San Francisco Solano mission On the banks of the Pilcomayo River, with the aim of evangelizing the native peoples of the Chaco.
On December 27, 1905, San Francisco Solano’s old mission was officially renamed Villa Montes, marking the establishment of a civil and administrative center in this Gran Chaco area. The new name was granted in honor of the then President Ismael Montes, according to the Departmental Autonomous Government of Tarija.
In 1984, the then president Hernán Siles Suazo declared Villa Montes as “Benemérita City “a recognition granted for their historical participation in the Chaco War (1932-1935)conflict in which its territory was an important scenario in the Bolivia and Paraguay dispute over the control of the Boreal Chaco.
How did Villa Montes celebrate?
The celebrations for the anniversary of Villa Montes began on Tuesday, July 22 with the cultural proposal ‘Sensory Chaco’, a Gastronomic experience organized together between local hotels and the Tourism platform of the region.
The objective was to revalue the Chaco culinary wealth through a five -stroke menu, made with products from the territory.
The event presented traditional dishes reinterpreted with sophisticated kitchen techniques, highlighting flavors and ingredients of the Chaco. Among them, they highlighted the Yerba matewidely consumed in the area, and the carob tree, transformed into honey or coffee; They even served local wines such as WaAhat white wine (fish in Weenhayek, a language originally from an indigenous community in the region).
In the menu, typical meats such as shad –region emblem fish-, Lamb and Pork.
The menu was in charge of the renowned chef Alejandro Jesús Reyes Aguilar, who had a team of 30 people to present dishes with flavor and essence Villamontina. While, the cocktails were created by Wálter Delgadillo, exclusively for the ‘Chaco’.
‘Sensory Chaco’ was carried out in the hotels The ranch and hotelthat opened their doors so that both visitors and residents could enjoy an innovative proposal that combines Tradition, identity and high gastronomy.
On July 23, Villa Montes lived one of his most anticipated nights: the Traditional serenade In honor of his patron saintSan Francisco Solano. The celebration was held in the square that is named after the saint, located in the December 27 neighborhood.
The serenade brought together hundreds of people of all ages, who appeared to enjoy live music and share Villamontino pride. He scenery He had the Participation of renowned artists as The black palmSebastián Molina, Héctor Leyton, Shailin Basilio, Daniel Rivera, Chatito Orellana, Lucerito de Carozi and the Land of Sol, among others. The gold brooch was put by the stellar group of the night: The Kjarkas, who were the stellar guests of the celebration.
Around the square, as is also traditional, neighbors and entrepreneurs took the opportunity to install Food posts, games and children’s activitiesgenerating Economic movement and distractions exploited mostly by minors. Among the aromas of Chaco gastronomy And the emotion of waiting for the artists, the serenade became a special night that reaffirms the festive spirit and cultural identity of Villa Montes.
The morning of July 24 began with the solemn tedeum and a floral offering in commemoration of the 165 years of the San Francisco Solano Mission Foundation In Villa Montes. The offering was placed at the foot of the statue of the patron saint, while the Mass was held in the Church that also bears the name of San Francisco Solano, located in the December 27 neighborhood.
Subsequently, the Civic parade In the Civic Square, where municipal, departmental and local authorities, educational institutions, social organizations, representatives of indigenous communities and members of the Armed Forces participated.
Although on July 24 he is not declared a holiday in Villa Montes, the acts commemorative They develop with great civic commitment, calling Students, neighbors and authorities on a day that reinforces the pride and identity of the Benemérita city.
Culture and tourism
According to him Census 2024, Villa Montes It has 46,010 inhabitants, which makes it the third most populous municipality in the department of Tarija, whose total population amounts to 534,348 people.
Located in the Gran Chacothe city is known for its high temperatures, that exceed 40 ° C, especially during the month of September with a significant increase in December, January and February. This characteristic has been part of the so -called “Green hell”, Expression that refers to Extreme climate of the Chaco region.
In its territory is the Pilcomayo River, One of the main water courses in the Silver Basin, which connects three countries: Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay.
In the region, indigenous communities inhabit the nations Weenhayak, Guaraní and Tapietethat maintain their traditions and contribute to local cultural identity.
The Gastronomy ‘Villamontina’ It stands out for the fish consumptionbeing the shad The most representative. During the Fishing seasonespecially in mid -April, local markets offer a wide variety of fish at different prices, becoming an essential food for the population and attractiveness for visitors.
