UPF-Argentina & Rotary Salute Immigrant Communities

Buenos Aires, Argentina – UPF-Argentina and the Rotary Club recognized representatives of Volga Germans and Paraguayans in their fourth “Communities Honor the Homeland” meeting on May 29, 2026, at the Buenos Aires City Legislature’s San Martín Hall. The event, which recognizes the contributions of various immigrants who came to Argentina, was organized by UPF-Argentina, Rotary Club Montserrat and its Satellite Club of Communities, and Rotary Club Parque de los Patricios. Around 100 people attended.

The program began with the Argentinian national anthem and welcoming words from City Legislature Deputy Mr. Francisco Loupias, UPF-Argentina President Mr. Miguel Werner, and Mr. Horacio Daboul, founder of Rotary Club Parque de los Patricios and the Satellite Club of Communities.

The 2026 “Communities Honor the Homeland” recognition awards went to Mr. Romualdo Martínez, president of the Paraguay Cultural Association Guarani’A, and Ms. Clelia Sturtz, president of the Federation of Volga German Descendants Associations, received by the association’s director, Mr. Reinaldo Brotzman.

Mr. Martínez was recognized for his service and commitment to the Paraguayan community, including serving on the governing board of the Buenos Aires’ Paraguay House, and for promoting integration, solidarity, culture, education and service.

Ms. Sturtz was recognized for promoting unity, solidarity and cooperation in the Volga German community, for coordinating efforts to preserve the historical memory, traditions and cultural identity of immigrants, and for strengthening bonds with related institutions in Argentina and other countries.

Mr. Horacio Daboul also received special recognition for his extensive work with immigrant communities. 

The event also marked the 116^th anniversary of Argentina’s May Revolution against Spanish colonialists. Historian Ms. Nelly Pareja, founder of the Santiago de Liniers Historical Institute, spoke of the significance of this event and the contribution of the various immigrant groups.

Artistic performances from different nations enlivened the program. They included the Paraguay Folk Projection Ybera, led by Ms. Sindy Molina; the América Morena Ballet, with different dances representative of the Bolivian community; and the folk dance group Algarrobal de Mi Tierra, led by teachers Mr. Daniel Artunduaga and Ms. Florencia Soto Zamudio.

The annual recognition of various communities is held under the Friendship and Cooperation Agreement signed by District 4895 of Rotary International and UPF-Argentina in 2023, at the Golden Hall of the Buenos Aires City Legislature.

By Miguel Werner, President, UPF-Argentina May 29, 2026