A Day to Celebrate the Parks

The National Parks of Argentina make up a total of 30 national parks located around Argentina. They stretch all the way from Baritú National Park in the North which borders Bolivia to Tierra del Fuego National Park in the Southern part of the continent.

The creation of the National Parks in Argentina dates back to 1903 with the donation of 73 square kilometres of land in the Lake District of the Andes foothills by Francesco Moreno. In 1934, a law was passed creating the National Parks system which added many more new parks to the system.

The 6th of November has been declared National Parks day in Argentina. This is a day in which we celebrate all the great things that the National Parks have allowed us to enjoy. Without these protected areas, we would not have the wild spaces full of a rich variety of flora and fauna that we can admire and learn from. 

We celebrated Argentina´s National Parks day here in Los Glaciares National Park at the National Park headquarters. We arrived just on time, when everyone was passing around sodas and wine to drink. There were plentiful amounts of vegetables and chorizos on the grill and bread set out on the picnic table. It was a good thing I came with an appetite! Everyone was super friendly and I could tell that they were happy to be here. After a while of drinking and chowing down on the asado, the head boss of the National Parks Center in El Chaltén made a speech. He talked about the history of the Parks and how he full-heartedly enjoyed being able to work in Los Glaciares. We all applauded and continued to enjoy the sunny afternoon.

Along with the asado, there was a small fair held at the elementary school here in town. The opening ceremony began with a few students walking in with the Argentina flag and the Santa Cruz Province flag. Everyone sang the national anthem and then applauded the kids as they walked off the stage. Soon after came a play put on by the elementary kids about conservation in the national parks. There were many costumes- kids dressed up as owls, condors, huemul (some of the local animals inside the national park). They explained the importance of why we should always respect our surroundings and to keep the park always looking clean. They skipped across the stage and my heart melted. It was great to see the kids participate in this important day here in El Chaltén. 

This day made me realize how much of the life in El Chaltén revolves around the National Parks. I mean after all, the town is located in Los Glaciares National Park and so the people of this town know a lot about the natural surroundings of the place that they live in. In all, I would call the holiday a success in all the festivities that happened around town. The knowledge about the National Park from the people here is inspiring and encourages all who visit here to learn about the area.