Dive into Argentina's Culture: Beyond Icons and Traditions

Argentina, with its globally recognized symbols like Tango, steak, fútbol (soccer), and red wine, offers an extraordinary blend of European and indigenous influences that shape its unique lifestyle. While these iconic experiences, like watching a passionate fútbol match or witnessing the sultry moves of Tango dancers, are not to be missed, Argentina's cultural tapestry goes beyond these well-known facets. Explore the local lifestyle and enrich your travel experience with these activities that provide a more authentic Argentine adventure.

1. Attend an Asado (Barbecue)

Thanks to the historical influx of Spanish, Italian, and French immigrants, the Argentine lifestyle blends European and indigenous elements. Embrace the daily rhythm of light breakfast, late lunch, afternoon snack, and late dinner. However, make an exception for the beloved asado, a leisurely barbecue that can span an entire afternoon or evening, usually enjoyed on weekends with family and friends. It's an immersive experience into local culture, offering continuous servings of delectable dishes from the parrilla (grill).

2. Taste Malbec at a Winery

Explore Argentina's pride in locally produced wines, especially the rich and fruity Malbec. Visit the open-to-the-public bodegas (wineries) in the Mendoza region, where reservations and a small fee usually grant access. Interact with industry insiders, sip wines amid stunning scenery, and participate in local wine festivals to truly immerse yourself in the culture.

3. Share a Gourd of Mate

Partake in Argentina's classic refreshment, mate, an infusion of yerba mate leaves served in a hollowed-out gourd with a metal straw. When someone offers you a chance to share a mate gourd, it's an invitation to participate in a vital social custom. Originating from the indigenous Guaraní, mate is a shared experience, fostering social bonds as everyone in the group drinks from the same gourd and straw.

4. Take a Trip to an Estancia (Ranch)

Escape the city bustle and embrace the tranquility of an estancia, a traditional ranch integral to Argentina's rural life. Immerse yourself in the expansive working farms, witness gauchos tending to cattle on horseback, and indulge in traditional asados and meriendas. Gain insight into the country's history as you experience life on these picturesque ranches.

5. Cheer on a Local Team at a Football Match

Experience the unparalleled passion of Argentines during a fútbol (soccer) match, where the sport borders on religious devotion. Witness the intense rivalry between Buenos Aires' top teams, Boca Juniors and River Plate, in the iconic Superclásico. Whether at the stadium or a local bar, the atmosphere is electric. Secure tickets to a match at Boca Juniors' La Bombonera stadium for an unforgettable experience.

6. Explore the Treasures of Feria de San Telmo

Feria de San Telmo (San Telmo Fair), an antique fair established in 1970 by architect José María Peña, unfolds its charm in the San Telmo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Comprising 270 stands, this captivating fair transforms Plaza Dorrego every Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm into a vibrant hub of cultural exploration.

The streets surrounding Plaza Dorrego come alive with Tango Shows and Orchestra Performances, adding a rhythmic soundtrack to your exploration. While strolling through the fair, indulge in the culinary delights from local restaurants and informal sellers, offering a taste of typical Argentinean cuisine. However, the real allure lies in the antique treasures waiting to be uncovered, making Feria de San Telmo a haven for collectors and culture enthusiasts alike.

7. Grasp the Basics of Tango

Tango, deeply rooted in Argentine culture, originated in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Watch captivating Tango performances in the cobblestoned Plaza Dorrego in the San Telmo neighborhood. Dive into the nostalgic art form at milongas (tango salons) across the city or consider taking Tango lessons, either before a milonga or with a private instructor.

8. Go visit a Traditional Café

Argentina is full of grand old cafés, many well over a century old. Nowhere is café culture more advanced or sophisticated than in Buenos Aires, where a staple of the day for any local is taking time out for a coffee. The café is considered a refuge from the hectic pace of the city, an important place for social interaction and a link to Buenos Aires history, with many of its most famous residents associated with one café or another at some point. Even if you're alone, cafés provide some great people-watching. Café Tortoni is the city's most famous café, in operation since 1858.

9. Participate in a Traditional Festival

Argentina has a lively cultural calendar packed with regional celebrations. Regardless of the specific event, local festivals are usually a great place to sample traditional foods, listen to folkloric music, and watch parades of dancers in colorful costumes.

In the northwest, Carnival in Tilcara (in the province of Jujuy) is a vibrant festival lasting nine days. Many festival-goers believe that the devil possesses them during this annual event, which is why they dress as devils and dance wildly. The celebrations happen at the end of January and beginning of February.

In March, meanwhile, people in Mendoza gather to celebrate the Fiesta de la Vendimia, a celebration of winemaking and vineyards. Highlights include the crowning of the reina nacional de la vendimia (national queen of wine).

In San Antonio de Areco in the province of Buenos Aires, El Dia de la Tradición (Day of Tradition) takes place in November. It's a celebration of nationwide cowboy culture, with gauchos arriving from across the country to ride through the streets on horseback and display their horsemanship. The main event, the jineteada gaucha, is Argentina's version of a rodeo. Dancers and musicians further enliven the event.

Contact a travel advisor at Voyagers and find out the best time to visit Argetina for cultural interaction.

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