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27-409: Antonio Gil was supposedly born in the 1840s near what is now the city of Mercedes (formerly "Pay Ubre") in the province of Corrientes , Argentina, where he grew up to become a gaucho . According to some accounts, in his youth he fought the local commissioner over the love of a woman—having pardoned the life of his rival, he was left with no choice but to leave town. According to a different version of

54-546: A Historical and Fine Arts Museum, as well as a Natural History Museum with more than 1,000 animal samples. There is a sanctuary in memory of the Gauchito Gil , a popular religious and folkloric figure, 10 km from the city. The city is renowned within the province as the prime livestock-producing department and, on a national level, for hosting the second largest Rural Exhibition after Palermo's in Buenos Aires. Additionally,

81-454: A fascinating glimpse into the geological history and cultural significance of the area. Additionally, Mercedes is ideally located near the renowned Iberá Wetlands, one of Argentina's most significant ecological reserves. This natural paradise is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering guided tours, wildlife safaris, and boat trips to observe diverse species in their natural habitats, including capybaras, caimans, marsh deer, and

108-580: A place in Corrientes Province , Argentina is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Roman Catholic Diocese of Goya The Roman Catholic Diocese of Goya ( Latin : Dioecesis Goyanensis ) is in Argentina and is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Corrientes . It was established by Blessed John XXIII on 10 April 1961. This article on a Roman Catholic diocese in Argentina

135-517: A plethora of bird species. Close to the Iberá Wetlands is Rincón del Socorro, a former cattle ranch turned nature reserve dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Iberá ecosystem. Visitors to Rincón del Socorro can enjoy eco-tourism activities such as birdwatching, horseback riding, and guided nature walks while staying in comfortable accommodations that allow them to experience the serene beauty of

162-461: A reaction to the neoliberal politics of the period (see Menemism ). The spread of the cult throughout the country was mainly the work of devout truck drivers, who were also responsible for erecting many of the numerous roadside shrines dedicated to the saint. As of 2019, around 23% of Argentines considered themselves devotees of the Gauchito. The main sanctuary of Gauchito Gil is located about 8 km from

189-508: A significant portion of its land is dedicated to rice production, with rice mills of notable importance both nationally and internationally. The distance to the provincial capital is 244 kilometers. The city of Mercedes itself is organized with a central plaza, around which the main civic and commercial buildings are located. This typical colonial layout includes the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, various schools, and municipal buildings, contributing to

216-517: A thriving media and communication sector with significant investment potential. The city is home to influential journalists like Minina and media personalities such as Meda, who runs a leading radio station. José Barnetche Memola, a digital marketing agency, spearheads the digital transformation for local businesses, while the Flower Group and Walter Chavez dominate the streaming industry with their innovative platforms. TuMercedes, managed by Cubilla,

243-675: Is a major media company known for its extensive reach and impact. Other key news portals include Diario Mercedes, Mi Mercedes, Aqui Mercedes, Aguijón Digital, Impacto Mercedes, Stylo, Siempre Activa and Mercedes Total. These outlets provide comprehensive news coverage and community engagement. The robust radio network, featuring Radio del iberá, Libertad FM, Radio Chart, Mercedes Total, Planeta FM 104.5 MHz, and FM Impacto, ensures diverse programming that appeals to various audience segments. Mercedes’ dynamic media landscape offers abundant opportunities for investors seeking to tap into Argentina’s growing media market. In Spanish. This article about

270-561: Is located in the center of Corrientes province, Argentina, and serves as the head town of the Mercedes Department. It lies approximately 275 km from the provincial capital, Corrientes, and 739 km from Buenos Aires. The city's geographical coordinates are 29°10′S latitude and 58°04′W longitude, situating it in a region characterized by its flat to gently undulating terrain. Mercedes is in the middle of an important livestock-raising area and hosts large livestock exhibitions and fairs. It has

297-564: Is not recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church , though many Argentines, both devotees and church leaders, have been promoting him for canonization. Local church leaders in Mercedes hold masses on his feast day in the Church of Our Lady of Mercy . Other church leaders in Argentina have participated and approved of the devotion of Gauchito Gil, while some are divided on whether to embrace or condemn

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324-541: The 1990s, however, his cult experienced a sudden growth among the Argentine urban working classes, particularly in the Greater Buenos Aires area, where large numbers of people from the provinces had recently arrived in search of better living conditions. Since outlaw saints are usually regarded as figures of resistance to authority and champions of the underclasses, Gauchito Gil's rise in popularity can be interpreted as

351-544: The Gauchito is supposed to have liked when he was alive. The sanctuary's grounds cover about 5 hectares and are lined with stalls selling food, religious images, crosses, red ribbons and flags, rosaries, mates , facones , ponchos , and other souvenirs. The Mercedes sanctuary receives over 250,000 pilgrims a year, most of whom visit it for the saint's feast day on January 8. Festive activities on this date range from masses and processions to dancing, drinking, and horse-riding demonstrations. Other major sanctuaries are located in

378-414: The cities of Buenos Aires (Plaza Los Andes and Puente La Noria), Posadas , Rosario , and San Roque , among others, as well as in the suburbs of Buenos Aires (Bernal , Alejandro Korn , Troncos del Talar , etc.). Small roadside shrines painted red and decorated with red flags and ribbons can be found scattered all over Argentina's roads, with special prevalence in the north of the country. Gauchito Gil

405-439: The city of Mercedes, at the alleged site of his execution, and houses an empty mausoleum (i.e., a cenotaph ) dedicated to his memory. The mausoleum's walls are adorned with some fifty thousand plaques expressing gratitude for various miracles granted by the saint. To one side stands the tree where he was hanged. Offerings are left in the form of candles, red ribbons and flowers, cigarettes, and bottles of alcoholic drinks—things that

432-513: The city's cultural and historical identity. Mercedes took its name in 1835 when it was placed under the patronage of Our Lady of Mercy (Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes). The area was previously known as Paiubre. Mercedes is still affectionately called "Paiubre," the only name it had until 1835. The name Paiubre means "the one who eats the most from the entrails," which, when applied to the Corrientes River, can be interpreted as "the one that feeds

459-468: The current city was previously known as Paiubre. The official creation of the city dates back to 1832 by the decision of Governor Pedro Ferré. Initially named after the region, Ferré ordered the construction of its chapel. Although 1832 is recognized as the founding year of Mercedes, no decree specifies the exact date. Therefore, the city's anniversary is celebrated on July 5, in memory of the land donor, José María Gómez. Upon accepting Our Lady of Mercy as

486-492: The department of the same name, which also includes the towns of Felipe Yofre and Mariano I. Loza. It is 275 km from the provincial capital, Corrientes , and 739 km from Buenos Aires . The town, founded in 1829, is served by several grade schools, including Escuela Normal Manuel Florencio Mantilla, Colegio San Carlos, Escuela Agrotécnica Eulogio Cruz Cabral, Escuela Comercial Nocturna Ejército Argentino, and Instituto Popular de Mercedes Manuel López Rodríguez. Mercedes

513-429: The executioner prayed for Gil's intercession. The man did as the Gauchito had told him and the son was miraculously saved. In gratitude, he returned to the spot where Gil had been executed, buried him, and erected a cross of espinillo wood, thus giving birth to the cult. Until the late twentieth century, devotion to Gauchito Gil was limited to the rural population of Corrientes, and was of little relevance nationwide. In

540-618: The legend, after being conscripted to fight in the War of the Triple Alliance , one night Gil had a dream in which God told him not to kill innocent people. He consequently deserted the army, becoming a fugitive from justice. According to yet another version, in the civil wars that followed the War of the Triple Alliance he was a supporter the Federalist Party , represented by the colour red, so when he

567-503: The most from its own waters." This name originated because, during their last stand, the indigenous Caracarás Guaraníes, the area's early inhabitants, gathered in Rincón de Aguaí, a place watered by the watercourse they called Paiubre, one of the many branches of the vast Corrientes River. In 1825, a group of neighbors sought authorization to establish a town beside the Paiubre stream. This request

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594-513: The patroness of the burgeoning settlement, Gómez brought the image of the Virgin, and on July 5, 1832, it was solemnly proclaimed and enshrined in the Paiubre Chapel. In 1835, Governor Atienza renamed the city Mercedes. In 1864, it was designated a village, and in 1888, it was elevated to city status. Mercedes, Corrientes, is surrounded by an array of captivating tourist attractions that showcase

621-471: The phenomenon. The Diocese of Goya and the Mexican Diocese of Celaya have both recognized the veneration of Gauchito Gil. Mercedes, Corrientes Mercedes ( Spanish pronunciation: [meɾˈseðes] ) is a city in the center of the province of Corrientes , Argentina. It is a first-class municipality with a population of 40,667 at the 2010 census [ INDEC ] , and the head town of

648-469: The region's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Tower of Guayaibi stands out as a remarkable landmark, offering a unique experience with its solid stone structure, basalt core, wooden elements, and an extensive collection of good books, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era when humanity lived in harmony with nature. Another notable site is La Piedra Ita Pucú, a large stone formation steeped in local legends and folklore, providing visitors with

675-480: The wetlands and learn about ongoing conservation efforts. Together, these attractions make Mercedes a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility in the heart of Corrientes. The city is home to the professional basketball team Club Comunicaciones (Mercedes) , which plays its home games at the Estadio Cubierto Club Comunicaciones . Mercedes, Corrientes, presents

702-545: Was called up to fight in the ranks of the Unitarian army, he refused. Whatever the case, after fleeing from justice he went on to become a thief, perhaps a cattle rustler, who stole from the rich and helped the poor. He was eventually caught on January 8, 1878, and sentenced to hang upside down from an espinillo tree, where his neck would be cut off. Before dying, he told the executioner that upon arriving home he would find his son very ill, but that he could be saved from death if

729-403: Was unsuccessful, but they persisted in 1829, and on August 19, the provincial government ordered the selection of the location for the new town. The lands (100 ha.) where Mercedes was founded were donated by José María Gómez. The town was named Mercedes with the blessing of its church on July 23, 1835, adopting Our Lady of Mercy (Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes) as its patroness. The location of

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