“Cascada de agua,” the whispers followed us as we approached the Partido de Ituzaingó. The name, a Guaraní phrase meaning “lots of falling water,” echoed the history of this place, a history as dynamic as the Ituzaingó Falls themselves. The Partido de Ituzaingó, nestled in the bustling western zone of Greater Buenos Aires, is a relatively young district, born in 1995. It was carved from the larger Morón Partido, a decision enacted by the provincial law 11,610 under the governorship of Eduardo Duhalde. Imagine, a piece of land, once part of a larger whole, now forging its own identity. The Partido de Ituzaingó is just that, a vibrant district brimming with life and its own unique story.
This area, just 28 km west of Buenos Aires City, covers a modest 38.51 square kilometers. Yet, within this space lives a population of nearly 168,000 people, a testament to its allure. Ituzaingó is known as “El Jardín del Oeste,” or “The Garden of the West.” The nickname paints a vivid picture of the area’s charm. Think of quiet, tree-lined streets, French-style chalets, and expansive green spaces. One such space is Parque Leloir, a significant protected ecological zone within the province.
The Partido de Ituzaingó wasn’t always known by this name. Originally, the area was called Santa Rosa. The arrival of the railroad changed everything. The train station, a vital link to bustling Buenos Aires, was named after the historic Battle of Ituzaingó. This battle, fought in 1827 near the Ituzaingó Falls in Brazil, pitted the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata against the Brazilian Empire. The station’s name, a constant reminder of this pivotal battle, gradually overshadowed Santa Rosa. Eventually, Ituzaingó became the name of the entire settlement, a tribute etched in the landscape. Even today, the memory of the battle resonates. One of the main squares in the Partido de Ituzaingó is named “20 de Febrero,” commemorating the date of the battle.
The official establishment of the Partido de Ituzaingó marked a new chapter. The first mayoral elections took place on May 14, 1995. Alberto Daniel Descalzo emerged victorious, becoming the district’s inaugural mayor. He took office later that year in a ceremony held at School No. 1, a symbolic beginning in a place of learning. The newly formed City Council also took shape, a mix of representatives from various political parties.
Today, the Partido de Ituzaingó pulsates with life. The commercial center, located near the train station, hums with activity. It’s a hub centered around a square, facing the local church. Here, concerts, cultural events, and fairs transform the space into a vibrant gathering place, especially on weekends and holidays. The Partido de Ituzaingó, a place born from a larger entity, now stands as a testament to the power of community and the enduring resonance of history. It is a vibrant tapestry woven from peaceful streets, historical echoes, and the constant promise of growth.