Argentina is a country renowned not only for its vast geography, which ranges from the rainforests of the north to the glaciers of Patagonia, but also for the richness of its customs and traditions. These traditions come from diverse influences: the original indigenous peoples, the European colonizers and the immigrants who arrived later, mainly from Italy and Spain. Completing this cultural tapestry are the gauchos, the Afro-descendants and the Jewish communities, who have left an indelible mark on the Argentine identity.
Argentina's customs and traditions are not only part of its history, but are also living everyday practices, reflected in the way Argentines greet, eat, celebrate and share. In this article, we will delve into some of the country's most important traditions, from national festivities, the infusion of mate and the barbecue ritual, to the famous tango and the fervor of football. Becoming an unrivaled destination for those who wish to connect with a culture that fuses modernity and tradition, Argentina weaves a unique proposal.
Tango: The dance and music of passion
El Tango It is one of the most world-renowned traditions of Argentina. Although its origin dates back to the slums of Buenos Aires and Montevideo in the 19th century, tango transcended the borders of the RÃo de la Plata to become a symbol of Argentine identity. Its music, full of melancholy, and its dance, sensual and passionate, have left an indelible mark on the country's cultural heritage.
Tango is not just a dance; it is an artistic expression that synthesizes pain, love and the reality of a society in transformation. The lyrics of classic tangos, often poetry in lunfardo, tell stories of heartbreak, nostalgia and the misfortune of marginal characters. Among the most prominent interpreters of tango are figures such as Carlos Gardel, who became a world icon. As for the composers, Astor Piazzolla He revolutionized the genre by combining tango with elements of classical music and jazz, creating what is known as 'new tango'.
Today, tango lives on in the salons of Buenos Aires, where locals and tourists come to enjoy a milonga, and in street performances in San Telmo. In addition, many tango houses They offer dinners and live shows where you can experience the full experience of this dance.
The barbecue: A culinary tradition of encounter
El roast It is much more than just a meal: it is a true ritual that celebrates friendship, family and, of course, meat. It often takes place on weekends, especially on Sundays, when friends and family gather around a grill to enjoy the best of Argentine cuisine.
The process begins with the selection of cuts of meat, which usually include emptiness, ribs y sausages, among others. The person in charge of the grill, known as the 'asador', must know the cooking times of each meat, since some cuts require more time than others. In addition to the roast meat, always present on the table will be the chimichurri (the famous Argentine sauce based on garlic, parsley and vinegar) and the provoleta, a grilled provolone cheese that is usually served at the beginning of a barbecue.
In some regions, such as Córdoba, the roast is accompanied with peppers stuffed with egg and onion, as well as simple salads, so that the real protagonist remains the meat. Finally, after-dinner conversations usually last longer with glasses of wine and conversations that can extend well into the afternoon.
Mate: More than a drink, a symbol of friendship
If there is a custom that truly unites Argentines, it is that of taking mattThis infusion, prepared with dried yerba mate leaves and hot water, is a symbol of socialization in the country. Mate has its origins in the indigenous peoples of the coast, mainly the GuaranÃ, and over time it has become a daily practice for Argentines from all regions. It is drunk in the mornings, afternoons, at meetings with friends or even at work.
The most interesting thing about mate is that it is not just a drink, but a ritual. It is shared in a round where one of the participants, 'the cebador', is in charge of preparing and passing the drink from hand to hand. The preparation involves heating the water to an ideal temperature of about 80 degrees, which allows for an infusion without burning the yerba. A curious anecdote is that refusing a mate in a round can be interpreted as a snub, since the mate symbolizes trust and friendship.
There are variants of mate, such as i will terer, which is drunk cold and is very common on the coast, mainly in the provinces of Corrientes and Misiones.
Football: The true Argentine religion
El CP Football In Argentina, football is much more than a sport. It is a passion that is lived in every corner of the country, from the big cities to the small towns. Every weekend, millions of people gather in stadiums or in front of their screens to watch their favorite teams. The most popular teams, Boca Juniors, y River Plate, star in the famous 'Superclásico', one of the most exciting sporting events in the world, which paralyzes the country.
The devotion to football is not limited only to club matches, but reaches its peak every four years with the Football World, where the entire country dresses in light blue and white to support the national team, known as La Albiceleste. Great figures like Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, and Lionel Messi, considered one of the best footballers of all time, has left an indelible mark on the history of the sport.
Going to the stadium to watch a match live is a unique experience, as stadiums are usually packed with passionate fans who sing and cheer on their team tirelessly. In fact, the atmosphere in an Argentine stadium is incomparable, with songs, flags and, often, fireworks accompanying the matches.
Folklore: Rhythms and dances that unite generations
Along with the tango, the Folklore is one of the most deeply rooted musical and cultural forms in Argentina. Each region of the country has its own style of folk music and dance, which reflects the influences and history of its inhabitants. Some dance styles include the zamba, chacarera and the malambo, each with its own rhythm and characteristic steps.
Folklore is deeply linked to the countryside and the figure of the gaucho. Folklore festivals, such as the famous Cosquin Festival In the province of Córdoba, they bring together artists and spectators from all over the country to celebrate tradition through music and dance.
In addition, in regions such as northern Argentina, the celebrations of the Pachamama and the Carnival They revive ancestral rituals and indigenous customs that have survived even today. A show of respect for the land and the connection with nature, which is celebrated with music, dances and offerings to Mother Earth.
The gaucho tradition
El gaucho He is an emblematic figure in Argentina, representing freedom, courage and life in the vast pampas. With his roots in the interbreeding between indigenous peoples and Spanish colonizers, the gaucho symbolizes resistance and love for the land. This character is not only a cowboy, but is also a poet, a musician and a man of honor who lives in communion with nature.
The horse riding, competitions where gauchos demonstrate their skill in taming wild horses, are one of the most important traditions in the gaucho festival calendar. The most notable of these festivities is the National Festival of Tradition, which is celebrated every year in San Antonio de Areco, a small town in the province of Buenos Aires that is a true sanctuary of gauchismo.
Traditional Argentine customs and food
Argentina is also a country known for its rich and varied cuisine. Although asado is the star dish, it is not the only traditional food enjoyed throughout the country. Other typical Argentine foods include: pies, a type of savory pie filled with meat, chicken, ham and cheese, or even dulce de leche in its sweet version. Empanadas have regional particularities, with those from Salta and Tucumán being especially popular.
El locro It is another emblematic dish, especially during national celebrations such as May 25 or July 9. It is a stew made from corn, meat and vegetables, which is usually cooked over low heat for several hours. Other specialties include humi and the Tamales, dishes of indigenous origin that incorporate corn and meat wrapped in corn leaves.
Of course, we cannot forget the fudge, a staple of Argentine cuisine that appears in a multitude of desserts, from the classic ones cakes until the caramel cookies, one of the country's most exported products.
La dive It also plays a leading role in Argentine gastronomic culture, consisting of sausages, cheeses and flavoured breads that are served as an appetizer at family or friends gatherings.
Carnival and local festivities
In Argentina, carnival It is a festival that varies significantly from one region to another, but always with the same spirit: celebration. The Carnival of Gualeguaychú, in the province of Entre RÃos, is one of the most important in the country, known for its comparsas, parades and decorated costumes. Also in the north, the carnival celebrations in Jujuy and Salta include folk dances such as the carnival, and rituals such as the devil's unearthing, where the population dresses up and participates in colorful parades that reflect the unique cultural syncretism of the region.
Another important festivity that deserves to be highlighted is the DÃa de la Independencia, which is celebrated on July 9. It is one of the most patriotic dates, and every year military parades, school events and exhibitions of national culture are organized in the main cities of the country.
For those looking for a more authentic and rural experience, the festivities, which are held in many small towns throughout the country, are an excellent option. These events pay tribute to the patron saints of each town, and are celebrated with live music, dancing and traditional food.
Argentina, with its history, diversity and cultural richness, is a land of continuous celebrations and a deep respect for traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. These customs not only reflect the country's roots, but also project it into the future, while fascinating those who have the opportunity to experience them.