FLORIDA

About Florida

Florida was the last village founded by the Spaniards. This city was born in 1809 under the name San Fernando de Florida. The declaration of independence of our country took place here. For this reason, although Florida is not in the center of Uruguay, it is considered the historic heart of the Republic.

The local writer Monti Grane, in his article, "El paisaje y la historia de Florida", mentions the ancient "Pulperias" and farmyards made of stone, the old estate "La Calera", the estate which belonged to Caraballo, as testimonies of Florida's historical past.

Among the old and best-preserved estates of Florida, the one called San Pedro del Timote belongs to the Alverto Gallinal Heber and sons. It is a large "estancia" of about 5866 hectares that was purchased by Pedro Jackson in 1895. San Pedro del Timote has belonged to the family for over a century during which time the owners have modernized the original house that dates from 1857. In 1935, the chapel was built.

Various routes cross this province, and lots of bridges have been built over the numerous rivers, which cross this area, such as the Yi, Santa Lucia Grande, and other streams found in this spot. Rolling hills forms Eighty percent of the land. The subsoil is rich in metal iron, quartz and feldspar. Most of the annual production of quarts comes from this province.

There are large estates dedicated to extensive cattle breeding, and farms, which cultivate fruits and vegetables. 900.000 hectares of green pastures are used for cattle grazing.

Florida forms part of the dairy farms and provides 40% of the milk, which is sold in the region.

The estate Las Rosas is part of an agriculture complex of 6342 hectares. It has breeder farms for Hereford and Jersey, Corriedale and Arabian and "criollo" horses. Most animals bred here have won prizes at the Expo Rural del Prado.

Florida is famous for its many celebrations such as Carnival, cattle fairs, which usually take place in April. Also in April, the Expo Holando Fair takes place in Florida. San Cono comes in June, where thousands of pilgrims come to all over the world, and on the 25th of august, the declaration of independence. In October, the Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial Fair takes place here while the Raid Hipico is held in Casupa. On October 12th, they celebrate the anniversary of "Batalla Sarandi", where the Uruguayan patriots defeated the Portuguese forces. In November, there is another pilgrimage to the "Virgen de los Treinta y Tres", patron of Uruguay.