Traditions and customs of Argentina for tourists

traditions and customs of Argentina are a synthesis of different cultures. On the one hand, there is that of the pre-Columbian indigenous peoples. On the other hand, that of the Spanish arrived since the discovery. And thirdly, the culture of the emigrants who arrived in the country at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, mainly Italians and, equally, Spanish.

All these elements have given rise to a set of traditions that shape the country's culture. But they are also living practices in their daily lives, which blend with the modernity of everyday life. Below, we'll show you some of Argentina's traditions and customs.

Tango and other elements of folklore

Undoubtedly, Tango is one of the symbols of ArgentinaIts appearance dates back to the end of the 19th century in the outskirts of Buenos Aires y Montevideo. In fact, it is common to all Río de la PlataIf we are to listen to the poet Eduardo Giorlandini, would have African roots that were combined with the gaucho, Spanish and Italian cultures.

In any case, from the capital it spread throughout the country until it became the leader of Argentina's traditions and customs. Later, singers such as Carlos Gardel o Rosita Quiroga made it universal and composers like Astor Piazzolla They modernized it. Likewise, the undisputed companion of tango is the bandoneon, a bellows-operated wind instrument similar to the concertina. And, of course, the sensual dance.

On the other hand, you should know that Argentine folklore goes beyond the tango. It is closely linked to the figure of the gaucho, which we will discuss later. But each region of the country has its own dances. These dance styles include the zamba, the chacarera o the malambo, each with its own distinctive steps and rhythms. Many of them also gather at festivals such as the one from Cosquín, in the province of Cordoba.

Mate, more than a drink among the traditions and customs of Argentina

Probably, along with tango it is the mate the other great symbol of Argentina, an infusion that he shares with Uruguay, Paraguay and even Brazil. That is why we classify it as more than a drink. But, above all, we give it this qualification because it is, in addition, an emblem of friendship. In fact, it is taken in groups at all hours and has their own ritual.

One of the participants, known as "the starter," is in charge of preparing it. This requires heating water to a temperature of about eighty degrees, which allows the infusion to be made without burning the herb. As you know, this drink is made with matte grass, which comes from a plant native to the Paraná and Paraguay riversThey are leaves that are dried and ground and offer a bitter taste because they contain tannins.

Returning to the "cebador," he is also responsible for passing the drink from hand to hand. Refusing him during a round of drinks can be considered a snub to the person offering it. The way it is served is also a ritual. The infusion is poured into a small container called a "cebador." "mate", "cuia", "porongo" o "guampa", depending on the area and the materials used to make it. To drink it, a type of cane called "tacuarí" o "lightbulb".

The origin of mate consumption dates back to pre-Columbian times. More specifically, they were the Guarani peoples who consumed it as a drink and even chewed the herb. It is already recorded in writing among the Spanish in the 16th century. Curiously, while some chroniclers called it "the devil's herb" for its unknown effects, others praised it for its stimulating properties and even consumed it.

Football, more than a hobby

Saying that football in a country is more than just a hobby has almost become a cliché. But in the case of Argentina It's absolutely true. Every weekend, hundreds of thousands of fans of the different teams gather in the stadiums. And millions sit in front of the television to watch the matches.

Therefore, football is a true passion among Argentina's traditions and customs. The top teams are the capital's big teams: River Plate y Boca Juniors, , who star in the great classic. But there are other standouts such as Estudiantes de La Plata, Independent of Avellaneda o Saint Lawrence of Almagro.

However, the passion for football becomes madness when he plays the Albiceleste, the name of the national team. This happens especially at the World Cups. Victories in these championships have made figures like Diego Armando Maradona o Lionel Messi into national heroes. In the case of the former, a Maradonian church, which has around two hundred thousand followers worldwide.

Typical Argentine festivities

In a way, attending a soccer match is, for Argentines, a celebration. However, depending on the result, it can also turn into a drama. On the other hand, they are always joyful celebrations like the Día de la Independencia, which takes place on July 9, with military parades and displays of national culture throughout the country.

However, there are other patriotic holidays. Thus, May 25 commemorates the creation of the first government in 1810. On the other hand, June 20 is the Flag Day and on August 17th we remember General San Martín on the anniversary of his death. Finally, November 20 is the National Sovereignty Day.

Catholic religious festivals are also part of the traditions and customs of Argentina. Both the Christmas like January 6th and the Easter are celebrated in the country. But secular celebrations are also very popular among the population. For example, they are widely celebrated the carnivals. Especially famous are those from Gualeguaychú, in the province of Entre Ríos; of Jujuy and SaltaThese last two cities also have their own dances and rituals, such as the Carnivalito and the Devil's Exhumation.

The gaucho tradition

Of Figure gaucho It has a capital importance in the history of Argentina. To put it simply, it's about the cowboys of the pampas. But it's much more. Because of its origins, it symbolizes The miscegenation between indigenous peoples and the Spanish. In addition, it embodies courage, freedom and attachment to the landHe is a man who loves poetry and music, has his own codes of honor, and lives in harmony with nature.

In other words, the gaucho and his way of life are fundamental to the traditions and customs of Argentina. It is about a national icon, to the point that there is an entire genre within the country's literature dedicated to him. The inaugural work of this is the narrative poem The gaucho Martín Fierro, José Hernández, published in 1872.

This work was so successful that the author published a second part entitled, precisely, The return of Martín Fierro, in 1879. It is no coincidence that the writer also Leopold Lugones described Hernández's work as "The national book of Argentines"The importance of the figure of the gaucho will also give you an idea of the fact that the essay had been published twenty years earlier Facundo, civilization and barbarism in the Argentine pampas de Domingo Faustino Sarmiento.

They are still celebrated today with great success. the horse riding. These are competitions where gauchos demonstrate their skill in taming wild horses and constitute the main focus of gaucho festivities. Among the many held in Argentina, the most notable is the National Festival of Tradition, which takes place in Saint Anthony of Areco, province of Buenos Aires.

The barbecue and other recipes of Argentine gastronomy

Among the traditions and customs of Argentina, it could not be missing the gastronomyAnd within this it plays a key role the roast, to the point of being more than a meal. It is about a ritual that celebrates family and friendshipIt usually takes place on weekends, when family and friends gather around a barbecue.

Asado consists of ribs, chorizos, and other parts of the cow cooked over charcoal. It is generally served with chimichurriAs you may know, it is a spicy sauce made with garlic, parsley, and vinegar. It is also often eaten before roasting. provoleta, a provolone-type cheese that is also grilled.

But, as you can imagine, Argentine cuisine has many other delicious dishes. They are very famous. the empanadas y Argentine pizza, which is characterized by a thicker dough. Much older is the locro, as it is a pre-Hispanic stew made with beans, corn, squash and beef or pork.

They are also tasty and filling. the stew with ossobuco y the carrero stewThe latter includes corn, noodles, beans, potatoes, bacon, and chorizo. Other common dishes are Milanese-cut meats, which are even eaten in sandwiches. And, as for desserts, they are part of the Argentine tradition dulce de leche, Creole pastries, alfajores y the pastafrola tart.

In conclusion, we have shown you the main traditions and customs of Argentina. But we could mention others. For example, the traditional costumes of the country, which coincide with those of the gaucho world, or the festivities related to the vintage. Dare to learn about these customs that make up the character of the Argentine nation.