Facts About Argentina

Cultural Facts About Argentina

I’ve compiled a list of unique fun facts about Argentina that will spark your curiosity and maybe even inspire you to travel here.

But, what is Argentina known for?

Not many people know that Mate in Argentina is super popular. Yerba Mate is a South American caffeine-infused drink.

Or, it could even those baked treats that get eaten by the dozen every morning called Medialunas.

Interesting Facts About Argentina

One of the most well known Argentina facts that many people are aware of is that Argentina is home to one of the most influential and famous Latin dances of modern history, – The Tango!

There are some amazing facts about the tango dance that you may have not known. For instance, Tango was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage contribution from Argentina and Uruguay on August 31st, 2009 by UNESCO.

The dance originated from lower-class districts of Buenos Aires and Montevideo along the Rio de la Plata in the late 19th century.

The term Tango and Tambo were originally used to describe musical gatherings of African slaves in the late 18th century.

Many tourists to Argentina visit especially to learn how to dance tango at one of the many dance schools in the capital.

Facts About Argentinian Architecture

After Argentina’s War of Independence from Spanish rule in the early 19th century Italian and French influences guided the construction of Argentina’s architecture.

Argentina plays host to many different architectural styles throughout the centuries from Baroque to Neoclassical and even Eclecticism.

Some famous architectural buildings in Argentina are:

• Palacio Barolo – Eclecticism
• Teatro Colon – Eclecticism
• Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral – Neoclassical
• The Water Company Palace – Eclecticism
• St. Ignatius Church – Baroque

The Cathedral of Cordoba is Argentina’s oldest church in continuous service in Argentina today. It’s construction started around 1582 and completed in the late 18th century.

Today, the asado is a culinary cultural tradition among Argentinian families and close friends who gather typically on Sunday afternoons to enjoy each other’s company.

Another national dish you’ll find in Argentina is Locro, which is a hearty thick stew consisting of corn, beans, potato, some form of meat (usually beef, but sometimes beef jerky or chorizo) and vegetables. It is often served on May 25th, the anniversary of the May Revolution in Argentina.

Locro which is typically served in served in earthenware bowls, is associated with native Andean civilizations and popular along with the Andes mountain range. It is cooked slowly and with a lot of attention.

Wine in Argentina

One cool thing about Argentina is that if you’re an avid wine enthusiast, the country is renowned for producing exceptionally great wines.

In November 2010, the Argentine government declared wine as Argentina’s national liquor. The law promotes wine as the “National Beverage” due to its historical and cultural significance, as well as its economic importance.

Some facts about wine in Argentina:

• The French brought Malbec, makes most of Argentina’s best-known wines.
• Until the early 1990’s Argentina produced more wine than any other country outside Europe.
• Argentinians love their wine and according to 2006 figures each Argentinian drinks around 45 liters a year.

Argentina’s most highly rated Malbec wines come from Mendoza’s high altitude wine regions of Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley.

Literary Facts About Argentina

Argentine writer Ernesto Sabato who wrote classic books such as The Tunnel and Angel of Darkness reflected on the nature of the culture of Argentina in his 1976 book “La cultura en la encrucjada nacional”.

Then if you’re interested, you can find even more classic books like On heroes and Tombs by Ernesto Sabato to read on Amazon.

Facts About Argentina’s Music

The music of Argentina includes a variety of traditional, classical and popular genres. As one of the largest South American countries, the culture of this land is rich with countless types of music.

Folk Music of Argentina comes in many forms developed in different regions with various European and indigenous influences.

Latin Grammy Award for Best Folk Album was first presented to Argentine singer Mercedes Sosa for the album “Misa Criolla” at the 1st Latin Grammy Award Ceremony in 2000.

That Day of Respect on October 12th is not only seen as one of the important facts about Argentina but I feel that it is a significate date for many Argentines.

It is also worth noting that during the past decade, Argentina’s street art or graffiti has become a popular cultural icon.

Some people are afraid to travel to Buenos Aires due to the safety issues but one of the great facts about Buenos Aires is that not only is it one of the biggest cities in Argentina, but it also has some amazing street art.

The city has become one of the best cities in the world to see huge murals that have been painted on the walls of buildings and houses.

In 2014 Buenos Aires Street Art partnered with Google Cultural Institute, which aims to document the world’s street art in a virtual library. The project features over 270 images from Buenos Aires.

Natives in Argentina

The culture of Argentina varies widely across the different ethnic and immigrant groups that have settled there over the past 500 years.

In northern Argentina in places such as Salta, you’ll see the Llama in many places even at a crossing, contrary to what one would think, the Llama is not the national animal of Argentina.

Actually, the Rufous Hornero, which is named the Red Ovenbird in English is, in fact, the national bird and animal of Argentina.

Interesting Facts About Argentina

Influenced mainly by European backgrounds such as German, Italian, Polish, Spanish and other regions as well as its native indigenous roots.

Much of Argentina’s music, architecture, writing, dance, social customs, and lifestyle is reflected by its European roots.

Argentina’s multiculturalism incorporates its history into the modern-day and is truly a spectacle to behold and experience.