Today, February 15th, marks a variety of events, including the celebration of the Día Nacional de los Glaciares (National Glacier Day). This day commemorates the expedition during which Francisco Pascasio Moreno—also known as Perito Moreno for his role representing Argentina in a border dispute with Chile—first reached Lago Argentino, naming it in the process, and came near the glaciar that now bears his name.
These massive natural ice structures, serving as freshwater reserves and a major attraction in Patagonia, formed over millennia. Today’s celebration aims to raise awareness about the impact of calentamiento global (global warming) on their melting and fragmentation.
Beyond the commemoration of the glaciers, February 15th also marks the births and deaths of numerous notable figures. In 1564, Italian mathematician and astronomer Galileo Galilei was born. 1811 saw the birth of Argentine politician, journalist, and educator Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, who later served as president of the country between 1868 and 1874. Argentine writer Paul Groussac was born in 1848.
More recently, February 15th has marked the births of Argentine journalist Magdalena Ruiz Guiñazú (1935), Argentine filmmaker Mario Sabato (1945), Argentine lawyer and diplomat Rafael Bielsa (1953), American cartoonist Matt Groening, creator of Los Simpson (1954), and Argentine actress Agustina Cherri (1983). The day also marks the deaths of musician Nat King Cole (1965), musician Mike Bloomfield (1981), and rapper Lamont Coleman, known as Big L (1999). Actress Raquel Welch passed away on February 15, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Día Nacional de los Glaciares?
The celebration commemorates Francisco Pascasio Moreno’s expedition to Lago Argentino and aims to raise awareness about the impact of global warming on glaciers.
Who was Francisco Pascasio Moreno?
Francisco Pascasio Moreno, also known as Perito Moreno, was an Argentine scientist, naturalist, and politician who represented Argentina in a border dispute with Chile.
What other events are commemorated on February 15th?
February 15th also marks the births and deaths of several notable figures, including Galileo Galilei, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, and Raquel Welch, as well as observances like the International Day of Childhood Cancer.
As glaciers continue to face the challenges of a changing climate, what steps can individuals and communities take to support their preservation?
