Is it true that the name La Matanza means “The Slaughter” in Spanish? This is the Partido de La Matanza. It is a county in Greater Buenos Aires. La Matanza has a compelling history and a vibrant culture.
La Matanza’s origin story is uncertain. Most believe it refers to a violent clash. Diego de Mendoza confronted the Querandí tribe in 1536. Diego and 22 soldiers died. The area became known as La Matanza. Some use the plural form Matanzas. The name appeared in a document from July 29 1603.
Initially, the partido was named Pago. Around 1730, it became Partido de Matanza y Pozos. It was a rural area managed by a two-mayor system. In 1784, La Matanza split. Cañada de Morón was the other part. San Justo became the capital city in 1856.
The 20th century saw rapid growth in La Matanza. European immigrants arrived first. Then people migrated from within Argentina. Migrants came from Bolivia and Paraguay later.
La Matanza is divided into sixteen localidades. These include Aldo Bonzi, Ciudad Evita and San Justo. Others are González Catán, Gregorio de Laferrere and Isidro Casanova. La Tablada, Lomas del Mirador and Rafael Castillo are also included. Ramos Mejía, Tapiales, and Veinte de Junio are other subdivisions. Villa Celina, Villa Luzuriaga, Villa Madero and Virrey del Pino complete the list.
The river is key to La Matanza’s story. In the 1500s, its waters were clear. Spanish conquistadors used it as an access route. They sought to meet the indigenous people. The Querandíes lived there. They got their name “Men with Fat” from their diet. They ate meat and wore leather clothing.
The Querandíes defended their land. Pedro de Mendoza sent soldiers for supplies in 1536. By the 18th century, the Camino Real a Cañuelas crossed the area. Soldiers and priests advanced along it. They wanted to claim land for Spain.
In 1778, the Pago de Matanza y Pozos was created. This was ordered by Viceroy Pedro de Ceballos. In 1780, Don Juan de Garay wanted to rebuild the city. Conflicts arose between the Spanish and the Querandíes.
The Partido de la Matanza was established on October 16 1754. The river aided communication. Large haciendas grew. This boosted Buenos Aires’ economic and political importance. The fertile lands soon flourished.
Virrey del Pino was founded by Joaquín del Pino y Rozas Romero y Negrete. He was a Spanish military engineer and politician. He built roads and fortifications. He founded cities. He suppressed indigenous resistance.
The name “La Matanza” has several explanations. All involve violent encounters with native people. Battles and massacres stained the land. Despite the violence, La Matanza became a place of liberation. Its people carry their patriotic heritage with pride.
In 1536, Pedro Mendoza’s arrival led to indigenous genocide. Another theory cites Juan De Garay’s reforms. Others suggest large numbers of slaughtered cattle. La Matanza’s history is marked by freedom and heroism. It is stained with the blood of patriots and inhabitants. They sacrificed everything for their land.
La Matanza remains a vital part of Buenos Aires. Its people are proud of their history. The Partido de la Matanza continues to evolve.