ARGENTINEAN CULTURE

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Europeans or Latin Americans?

Most Argentines are primarily of European descent, which separates them from other
Latin American countries where European and Indian cultures are more mixed.
Culturally and emotionally, Argentines often seem more European than Latin American.
Argentinean Family Values
The family is the centre of Argentine life with extended families still having prominence.
The heads of powerful families command widespread respect, but with this comes a
responsibility to care for others in terms of security, jobs, etc and to maintain personal and
family honour.
Honour is in all respects the be all and end all and it routinely affects day-to-day life at
home, in the community and in business.
Religion in Argentina
The Argentine constitution guarantees religious freedom.
Roman Catholicism acts as the official state religion.
Other world religions, notably Islam, are gaining a foothold within the country during the
last ten to fifteen years.
Expressive Communication Style
Argentines are on the whole open, blunt, and direct, yet are able to remain tactful and
diplomatic.
Argentines are a warm peoples and their unreservedness brings to the fore their passion
and sentimentality.
In addition they are close communicators physically so will often touch each other when
speaking and maintain little physical distance between speakers.
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Secular Celebrations
On 25 May, Argentina commemorates the May Revolution of 1810, when the population of the country decided
to appoint its own government after Napoleon invaded Spain.
The Day of the Argentine Flag is 20 June and commemorates the death of the creator of the Argentine flag,
Manuel Belgrano.
Independence Day is 9 July. Argentine representatives from various provinces decided to become independent
from Spain.
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In this section you can learn all about Argentinian culture. We will tell you more about
Argentinian customs; for example how families gather to drink mate or eat asado. You can find
out more about the festivals they celebrate and how they celebrate them; you can read about la
fiesta quinceaera that girls have when they are 15 and what the Argentinian people do to
celebrate Christmas.

You will find out more about Argentinian history; from the native population, to the colonisation
of Argentina to the more recent rule under of the Perons. You will also can discover more about
the origins of the Argentine people and of course you will be able to read more about one of the
most famous parts of Argentine culture; the tango which is danced throughout the country but
has a particularly strong following in Buenos Aires.
If you are interested in the arts then our pages on Argentinian literature and Argentinian art are
definitely worth exploring. Here you will be able to find out more about some great artists like
Petorruti and authors like Borges and Cortazar.
Argentina is a vast country full of exciting things to discover. Reading the following pages will
help you to learn more about Argentinian society and allow you to get to know this great
country a bit better. You are bound discover something about the country which will fascinate
you!

Festivals
Celebrations and festivals in Argentina revolve around the Roman Catholic Church, nationalism, and
adapted European festivals. Here's a list of the country's most celebrated festivals:
1.

The National Festival of Folklore

Held in Cosquin, Cordoba, this event is one of the biggest and most important in Latin America. It's a
9-day celebration of Argentine folk tradition complete with costumes, dancing, exhibits, and concerts.

2.

El Dia de Tradicion
Held annually every 10th of November, this festival is 1 whole week of parties, concerts, parades, and
feasts, to celebrate the birthday anniversary of Argentinian writer and poet - Jose Hernandez.

3.

El Carnaval del Pais

For 2 weeks before Lent, Gualeguaychu, between Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls, holds the largest
carnaval in the country. People are dressed in costumes, dance in the streets, and bars and
establishments host parties that last until wee hours of the morning.

4.

Oktoberfest Argentina
The third biggest Oktoberfest in the world after Munich and Blumenau in Brazil, Cordoba's Villa
General Belgraro hosts 5 days of drinking to coincide with the other celebrations around the world.
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Further explanations about the holidays....

The National Festival of Folklore occurs in Cordoba as a celebration of Argentine folk
tradition.
Carnival occurs prior to lent in Argentina. All the different regions perform different
acts for this holiday. In Salta, the zamba and carnavalito dances are performed in
interesting attire. In the Northeast Argentine region people sing with instruments.
La Fiesta de la Vendimia, which is referred to as the grape harvest, is a three day
festival of blessing for the grapes used to make wine. Wine is made and drank for

free, a queen is crowned, and a display of fireworks marks the end of the festivities.
On the Day of Friendship people send cards, flowers, and phone calls to their close
pals.
The Livestock show, which takes place in Buenos Aires, is a way for the Argentine
people to show the importance cattle have played in their society (strengthened the
economy, opened trade, etc). Bull competitions take place during the show.
The Snow festival in San Carlos de Bariloche is a celebration of the strong Swiss
influence in that region. Traditional Swiss cake and wine are served.
The Harvest of Fish festival takes place at Mar del Plata. People dress up as sea
creatures and parade along with the Queen of the Sea