Ezpeleta

Mariano Ezpeleta. A name etched into the very foundations of this town, Ezpeleta. A descendant of a Basque family, his story intertwines with the growth of this bustling locality nestled in the heart of Quilmes Partido. Ezpeleta, a city on the right bank of the Río de la Plata, borders the partidos of Berazategui and Florencio Varela. It’s a city of contrasts, divided and united by its history. Ezpeleta’s history begins long before its official founding in 1904. The land was initially part of a vast area divided among Spanish conquistadors after the second founding of Buenos Aires in 1580. This particular parcel, destined to become Ezpeleta, was granted to Pedro de Izarra. Fast forward to the late 18th century, and Salvador Joaquín de Ezpeleta arrives in Montevideo from Spain. This Basque descendant later moved to Buenos Aires, then to Santa Fe and Entre Ríos, establishing various businesses and even a chapel. It was his son, Mariano Ezpeleta, who purchased land in Quilmes, establishing an estancia that would become the seed of the future town. The official founding of Ezpeleta is recognized as December 19, 1904, although its roots stretch back decades earlier. The arrival of the railway in 1872 proved crucial to its development. This event is often cited as the true beginning of Ezpeleta, predating the official founding. The train station, named after Lieutenant Colonel Severo Ezpeleta, further cemented the family’s connection to the town’s identity. Ezpeleta’s growth was further fueled by the burgeoning industries of the time, especially the salting industry. In 1973, Ezpeleta was officially declared a city. A curious fact about Ezpeleta is its bipartite nature. A section of land originally part of Ezpeleta now belongs to Berazategui. This division, stemming from a land cession to Berazategui by Quilmes, adds another layer of complexity to Ezpeleta’s identity. So, as you stand here, in the heart of Ezpeleta, remember the name Mariano Ezpeleta. His purchase, though seemingly a simple transaction, set in motion the chain of events that led to the bustling city you see today. From a Spanish land grant to a Basque family’s vision, Ezpeleta stands as a testament to the passage of time and the enduring spirit of its people.