Villa General Belgrano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Villa General Belgrano
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Aerial view of Villa General Belgrano
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 Villa General Belgrano
Location in Argentina
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| Country |  Argentina |
| Province |  Córdoba |
| Department | Calamuchita |
| Elevation | 709 m (2,326 ft) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 8,257 |
| Demonym(s) | Belgranense |
| Time zone | UTC−3 (ART) |
| CPA base |
X5194
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| Dialing code | +54 3546 |
Villa General Belgrano is a charming mountain village in central Argentina. It is located in the Calamuchita Valley, within the Province of Córdoba. In 2010, about 8,257 people lived there.
The village is named after Manuel Belgrano. He was an important Argentine hero who helped the country gain independence. He also designed the Argentine flag.
Contents
History of Villa General Belgrano
Villa General Belgrano was started in 1930. Two German businessmen saw its potential for farming. The area's mountain look reminded them of the Alps in Europe. This attracted many people from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria to settle here.
German Sailors Arrive
In 1940, a special group of people arrived. After a big naval battle called the Battle of the River Plate, German sailors sank their own warship, the Admiral Graf Spee. This happened near Montevideo, a city in Uruguay. About 130 of these sailors came to live in Villa General Belgrano.
They joined the first settlers and helped shape the village. They built homes with red roofs and wood frames, like those in Bavaria. They also started breweries and shops selling pastries and chocolates. This gave the village its unique look and feel. A famous German resident was Kurt Tank, who became a leader in Argentina's aircraft industry.
Bavarian Culture and Festivals
Villa General Belgrano is famous for its Bavarian style. Many buildings look like they belong in a German village. The village thrives on tourists who love German treats. You can find delicious apple strudel, leberwurst (a type of sausage), and spätzle (a kind of pasta). Local restaurants also serve beer, even if the recipes are not always exactly German.
Oktoberfest Celebrations
The village is especially known for its Oktoberfest. This beer festival is a huge event. It is considered the third most important Oktoberfest in the world. Only Munich in Germany and Blumenau in Brazil have bigger celebrations.
The village offers many good places to stay. There are hotels and cabins for visitors. You can even find a local Howard Johnson's hotel.
Language and Traditions
In the past, newsstands sold German newspapers like the Argentinisches Tageblatt. The local church used to offer Sunday services in both German and Spanish. Like many communities started by immigrants, Villa General Belgrano kept traditions that might have faded in Germany. While German can still be heard, it is becoming less common over time.
Nature's Wonders: Plants and Animals
The area around Villa General Belgrano has many native plants. These include trees like the chañar, espinillo, molle, and moradillo. There are also shade of bull and piquillín trees. People have also planted many coniferous trees, eucalyptuses, and acacias.
Wildlife in the Region
The area is home to many animals. You can find gray foxes, partridges, and vizcachas. There are also cuises, shy iguanas, and weasels.
The village is located in a region called Bosque Serrano. This area is between 500 and 1400 meters above sea level.
Nearby Towns to Explore
The nearby town of Santa Rosa de Calamuchita is also a popular tourist spot. Together with Villa General Belgrano, they are the main tourist places in the Valley.
There are also smaller settlements nearby. These include Los Reartes, Villa Ciudad Parque Los Reartes, and Solar de los Molinos. Other interesting places are Villa Berna, Villa Alpina, Capilla Vieja, Atos Pampa, and La Cumbrecita. Each of these offers unique attractions for visitors.
Education in the Area
The area once had a German school. It was called Colegio Aleman "Steck".
Images for kids
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Typical wooden signage
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Colonia General Belgrano is the Oktoberfest Capital of Argentina, the largest celebration of its kind.
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Town-Hall building, of the Municipality of Villa General Belgrano
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Street in Villa General Belgrano
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Park in Villa General Belgrano
