influences. Uruguay offered a range of alternatives to immigrants, like fertile lands for agriculture and grassland for livestock productivity. Culture The people of Nueva Helvecia have maintained Swiss traditions and customs to this day. There are several groups, including "Los Alegres Alpinos", and the "Alpenveilchen Grupo de Danzas", who still practice the songs and dances of their ancestors. However, today, very few Nueva Helvecia residents speak the language of their ancestors, likely due to intermarriage with other populations. Even among Swiss the different dialects prevented them from communicating with each other unless they used the Spanish language. The holidays and festivities include: The 25th of April, corresponding to the anniversary of the foundation of Nueva Helvecia The 1st of August, corresponding to the anniversary of the formation of the Swiss Confederation. The "Bierfest" in December attracts visitors from other departments and countries. Architecture The city, though located in Uruguay, shares a number of features and similarities with classical and early modern European architecture, mainly those of Switzerland, Germany and France, as a result of its close link with the cultures and societies of those countries. Unlike in other cities in Uruguay, every building bears a symbolic shield representing the different Swiss cantons where the family living in the house came from. This has become more evident in recent years. Attractions Plaza de los Fundadores Tiro Suizo Hotel Suizo OSE Watertank Molino Quemado Evangelical Congregation of Nueva Helvecia (Evangelical Church of the River Plate) Most Holy Trinity Parish Church (Roman Catholic) Our Lady of Schoenstatt Chapel, a popular Roman Catholic pilgrimage sanctuary Cine Helvético Economy Dairy products, including milk, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, dulce de leche, and yogurt, dominate the city's economy. Nueva Helvecia also produces a variety of sausages and animal products, fruits and vegetables, cereals and wine. Until 1980 the Facansa enterprise produced bodywork for road vehicles. Location and population It is located in the southeastern part of Colonia Department, Uruguay. Its population, as of 2004, was 12,000. Notable people Franco Israel, (born 2000), professional footballer Pedro Ignacio Wolcan Olano, (born 1953) bishop of Tacuarembó Rodrigo Bentancur (born 1997), association football player Jorge Meyer Long (born 1949), diplomat Horacio Troche (1935-2014), association football player and trainer Nibia Sabalsagaray (1949-1974), educator killed during the Uruguayan dictatorship Sources Aschwanden, Prisca: Die schweizerische Einwanderung in Uruguay zwischen 1880-1929, Lizentiatsarbeit, Universität Zürich, 1990. Caro, Marice.: Los Bratschi en el Río de la Plata.