Slovene communities in South America
Many Slovenes found work in agriculture, industry, and trade in South America, and were able to build successful lives for themselves and their families.
[1] Today, these communities have grown to be significant contributors to the cultural and economic life of their adopted countries, despite facing a multitude of challenges.
Many of these organizations have a long-standing history and continue to play an important role in preserving Slovene culture in South America.
[3] Political instability and economic turmoil have forced many Slovenes to leave their homes and struggle to make a living, with limited institutional support to access resources and preserve their cultural heritage.
[4][5] In addition, opportunities for face-to-face interaction and cultural exchange have been limited due to the great physical distance between Slovenia and South America.
Despite these challenges, they have made significant contributions to their adopted countries' cultural and economic life, strengthening the bond between Slovenia and South America.
In Argentina, where the largest number of people of Slovenian descent live, a new model of cultural activity has emerged, which includes cooperation with the homeland.
[7] In the 19th century, Slovenians who settled in Brazil and on the Argentine-Paraguayan border and in the Argentine provinces of Entre Rios and Santa Fe did not organise any associations or other forms of national cultural activity.
However, a new era began with the mass emigration of Slovenians to South America in the period between the world wars, when around 30,000 of them are said to have come to the continent.
An important branch was also architecture, where the most prominent representative was undoubtedly Tržič native Viktor Sulčič, who worked in Buenos Aires.
Numerous singing, folk, reciting, and even theatre groups were created in local homes in Buenos Aires and in Bariloche, Mendoza, Córdoba, Argentina, and Miramar.
[2] The majority of Slovene immigrants arrived in Argentina during the first three decades of the 20th century, mostly from the coastal region of Slovenia and the areas of Gorizia and Trieste, which became part of Italy after World War I.
Despite being a relatively small community, Slovene Argentines have managed to preserve their cultural heritage and continue to celebrate their identity through various activities and initiatives.
The older immigrants have largely assimilated into Chilean society, and there was no organized community until the establishment of the Slovenian Association in Chile in 2009.
Today, the Slovenian Circle has around 130 members and facilities including a large and small hall, a bowling alley, an outdoor playground, a meeting room, and one apartment.
Even after the death of the priest Janez Grilc, who initially brought together the Slovene community, they continue to occasionally gather with more than a hundred people of Slovenian origin attending.
