Punta Querandi

Across the Garín Stream, nestled between Tigre and Escobar, lies Punta Querandi. It’s a place where the whispers of ancient querandí, chaná, and guaraní tribes still echo. Punta Querandi isn’t just a point on the map. It’s a two-hectare testament to the enduring spirit of indigenous peoples. For nearly two decades, families have gathered here, safeguarding their cultures and spirituality. This land, rich with thousand-year-old archaeological remnants, stands as a stark contrast to the encroaching concrete of private developments that threaten to erase this sacred ground. Punta Querandi is a community, a sanctuary, and a living museum. Here, traditional crafts like pottery and basket weaving live on. The Apacheta and the Opy, sacred ceremonial spaces, host rituals that connect the community to the earth and their ancestors. The very ground beneath our feet holds the stories of generations past. In 2004, a local resident stumbled upon ancient pottery shards, a discovery that sparked a renewed connection to the indigenous heritage of this land. This reconnection wasn’t without its battles. In 2010, bulldozers arrived, threatening to transform Punta Querandi into another private development. The community responded with a powerful act of defiance: an encampment of 15 tents, marking the beginning of a long struggle. This struggle culminated in a historic victory in 2020. A Community Ownership Agreement was signed with the Tigre municipality. This agreement, secured after years of resistance against the developer EIDICO, finally recognized Punta Querandi as protected community land. The community’s resilience extends beyond land rights. They tirelessly advocate for the repatriation of ancestral remains excavated from the area. In 2021, they celebrated a significant victory. The National Institute of Indigenous Affairs returned human remains to the community, a step towards healing and historical justice. Punta Querandi is a beacon of hope. It reminds us that cultural preservation and environmental stewardship are not just ideals but vital acts of resistance. It’s a place where the past informs the present, and where the spirit of community endures against all odds.