The 10 Argentine traditions that will impress you
The country of tango and barbecue is one of the most visited places by European travelers in Latin America. Argentine traditions impact and surprise visitors who hallucinate with them. Many of them end up being adopted by those who fall in love with this charming South American country.
You are probably thinking of getting some tickets to the southern tip of America to get these traditions. And as a very good thing to plan trips is to investigate a little of the country you want to visit. Here we have some Argentine traditions that you will want to know.
Greet with kiss
Argentines are incredibly affectionate people. And although in most Latin American or European countries it is very common to say hello with a kiss, for some cultures this can be strange. It ends up being much weirder when men greet each other with kisses too.
It doesn’t matter if it’s your friend, your brother or a complete stranger. Argentines have this strange way of greeting. Once you arrive in the country, you will realize the effusive way in which they greet each other in Argentina.
The sensuality of Tango
One of the main attractions of Argentina, especially the city of Buenos Aires is Tango. A sensual dance and musical genre that has gained international fame for its attractive way of being. This occurred during the mid-twentieth century when the multiculturalism generated by migration from Europe made this a unique dance. On your trip through Buenos Aires, Patagonia and Iguazú, you can enjoy this dance. As well as the elegant neighborhoods of the capital and its excellent cuisine.
Get together with friends to make a barbecue
Friends are very important for any Argentine or Argentine. That’s why they enjoy meeting to share unique moments. One of the most common meetings is roasts. In these meetings, they enjoy the best meat that the country produces to share with the barbecue. This is one of the most widespread and well-known Argentine traditions in the world.
Football is a religion
The country of Maradona and Messi, the greatest soccer players in history, cannot be any other. In Argentina, football is lived in a different way. The passion of the field extends to all corners of the country. Buenos Aires is the city with the most football stadiums in the world and home to one of the most important rivalries of this sport, the Argentine Superclásico, Boca Junior vs River Plate. When you visit Barrio La Boca, you will understand a little more about what sport means in a place where people live for football.
Share Mate, a sacred ritual
Every Argentine in any part of the world carries his Mate, his grass and his thermos. This drink is indispensable in the lives of Argentines. However, what makes this one of the most unique Argentine customs is the way in which Mate is taken. Although you could take it alone, the common thing is that Mate is shared among friends. Therefore, it is very common to see a group of friends sitting sharing the drink with the same bulb and passing the Mate from hand to hand.
Always talk about politics
And that of sharing the Mate goes hand in hand with another of the Argentine traditions par excellence, always talking about politics. Although it is usually an issue that generates conflicts, Argentines are experts in always talking about politics. No matter the time or place, an Argentine will always be trying to talk about these issues.
Argentine empanadas
Although empanadas exist of all kinds throughout Latin America, Argentine empanadas have a special touch. This is one of their typical dishes and when you try them you will be completely in love with them.
Empanadas are also important because of the way they are prepared, a perfect confection one by one with a variety of recipes that you should try when you arrive in Argentina.
The alfajores
Although they are a traditional Andalusian sweet, they arrived in Argentina at the time of the colony to become a typical and traditional dish. These are two round cookies made with wheat flour and butter, joined by an exquisite caramel.
Dinner almost midnight
The life of an Argentine person is quite hectic. Between sharing time with friends, enjoying food and living the long nightlife in the cities, the day gets longer. That is why Argentines have a habit of having dinner quite late. So, prepare a snack for mid-afternoon, because very early, you will have dinner after 21.
Carnival and typical festivals
In Argentina, carnivals are lived in a unique way. That is why this Argentine custom will surprise you, especially in the northern states of Argentina such as Córdoba.