Helvecia
Helvecia is a town in the center-east of the, on the San Javier River. It had about 8,500 inhabitants at the and it is the head town of the Garay Department.
Helvecia lies north-northeast from the provincial capital, to which it is linked by Provincial Route 1 and National Route 11. It is also located only 15 km from the ruins of the old provincial capital, Cayastá.
The town was founded in 1865 by Dr. Teófilo Romang, who had signed a contract with the provincial government, receiving 50 km² of land for free on the condition of founding an agricultural colony with 125 immigrant families. Romang first came accompanied by 12 Swiss people in order to inspect the site, on 1865-01-01. Helvecia attained the status of comuna on 1886-07-14.
Helvecia is a prime spot for fishing of the amarillo, and hosts the National and Provincial Amarillo Fishing Festival in July, which includes fishing contests and folkloric celebrations.
