Mercedes, Corrientes

Mercedes is a city in the center of the. It is a first-class municipality with a population of 40,667 at the, and the head town of 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.

Geography
Mercedes 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.

Economy
Mercedes is in the middle of an important livestock-raising area and hosts large livestock exhibitions and fairs. It has 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, 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.

Urban Layout
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 the city's cultural and historical identity.

Toponymy
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 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.

History
In 1825, a group of neighbors sought authorization to establish a town beside the Paiubre stream. This request 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 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 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.

Tourism
Mercedes, Corrientes, is surrounded by an array of captivating tourist attractions that showcase 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 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 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 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.

Climate
Mercedes has a subtropical climate without a dry season. On July 29, 2021, the lowest historical temperature of −2 degrees Celsius (28.4 °F) was recorded.

Sports
The city is home to the professional basketball team Club Comunicaciones (Mercedes), which plays its home games at the Estadio Cubierto Club Comunicaciones.

Media & Communication
Mercedes, Corrientes, presents 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, 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.