TANDIL

city, southeastern Buenos Aires province, Argentina, within the Pampa at the northern end of the Sierra del Tandil. It was founded in 1823 by the colonial governor Martn Rodrguez, but after Indian attacks in 1856 the majority of settlers fled, not returning until some years later. Tandil was declared a city in 1895. Its clear air and hill scenery have made it both a health and a pleasure resort. Its outstanding Holy Week festivities, reminiscent of those held in Seville, Spain, draw large numbers of tourists. In 1961 a dam was built on the city outskirts to control seasonal flooding of the Fuerte and Blanco streams. The economy is based on agriculture; cattle raising is of some significance, and there is light industrial development. Pop. (1980) 78,821.