Mitos y Leyendas: The Legend of Calafate

• Genny de Bernardo shares with us the legend of the calafate.
• This story explains why it is said that whoever tries calafate is always bound with the south.
• Conec is the protagonist who is the instrument for this magnificent fruit.

The story begins with a tribe of Indians who lived in the province of Chubut.

Each year, they suffered the ravages of the terrible winter winds that battered their camp, so they decided to find a more protected place to set up their tents.

Everyone prepared to leave, but they noticed that an important person was missing: Conec, an elderly woman known for her wisdom and longevity.

Conec had always been willing to help the tribe in whatever was necessary, and some even considered her a kind of witch who had lived since time immemorial.

Conec Decides to Stay

The oldest remembered having met her in their youth, when she was beautiful. The tribe searched for her everywhere and finally found her hidden behind a rock.

When they asked her why she did not join them in the move, Conec calmly responded that she loved them all, but that she was too old to change places.

She assured them that she would manage and that they should not worry about her.

The tribe, convinced by her words, left some provisions for Conec and set out for the new settlement location. Meanwhile, Conec stayed alone in her tent.

A Feathered Friend

As the days passed, the first snowflakes began to fall, and the winter wind became colder and fiercer. Conec realized that she would survive with difficulty in such adverse conditions.

Then one day, a daring and curious fledgling bird approached the elderly woman. Conec silently watched as the bird came closer and closer.

Although at first, the bird was frightened by its own audacity and flew away, it returned with its parents to tell them about its encounter with Conec.

The fledgling’s parents lectured him on his recklessness, but he insisted that Conec was not dangerous and had convinced other birds to approach.

An Unmatched Friendship

Curious, the birds started to visit Conec often. At first, they were careful, but slowly, they got comfortable and started to tell their stories and adventures to the old lady.

Conec, surprised, began to understand the bird’s talks and chat with them. The air became full of happy songs and talking as Conec and the birds enjoyed their friendship.

But winter kept coming, the days got shorter, and the chilly wind got stronger. The birds started to get ready for their yearly trip away, and Conec felt alone for the first time in a while. She looked at the sky, thinking about the far trip her friends would go on.

One day, from above, she noticed a spot in the sky that was coming closer fast, and, happily, recognized Sigún, the little bird who had visited her first.

The Birth of Calafate

Sigún was in a state of desperation since he had lost his parents when they stopped their flight to drink water from a stream. When he realized it, no one was around him.

Conec, worried for Sigún, decided to stay and help him survive the winter. They spent many nights thinking and finally found a solution.

When she woke up the next day, she saw the first snowflakes had fallen. Then, she noticed the thorny bushes that surrounded her tent, and sadly realized there was no food for the birds in the winter.

With tears in her eyes, Conec looked at the bushes, and as if by magic, her tears turned into small purple fruits. These fruits were the perfect food for the birds.

The South and the Legend of Calafate

She called Sigún and showed him the fruits. The birds returned, thrilled by the astonishing food that Conec offered them.

When spring came and the birds prepared to migrate again, Sigún’s parents and other birds returned to thank Conec for saving their son and providing them with food during the winter. They all shared a festive meal and rejoiced in their friendship.

It is said that the bushes that produced the purple fruits thanks to Conec’s tears were called calafate. And according to the legend, whoever eats calafate becomes bound to the south and always feels the desire to return to that place.

Hence comes the expression «he who tastes calafate is always destined to stay or return to the south.» Genny de Bernardo signs off, see you soon!