Argentina is the eighth largest country in the world, its name translates as “land of silver.” As in all countries of the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to those in Russia: summer begins in December and winter in June. Here the French lifestyle and Italian temperament are combined with the Spanish mentality of the local residents.
1. Argentina is a European country
Its inhabitants are mostly white-skinned and look like Europeans. This is due to the history of the country: when the Spaniards arrived here in the 16th century, the indigenous Indians were not a large nation. The population was formed from European immigrants and descendants of Europeans from marriages with Indians and blacks. Europeans traveling to America during colonization had the opportunity to choose equally: New York or Buenos Aires. Under the influence of historical, social and cultural factors, South America became the object of colonization by the peoples of Italy, Spain and France.
2. Most Argentines are Hispanic Catholics
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Argentines speak Spanish, but with some accent: perhaps influenced by the Portuguese language spoken in neighboring Brazil. For example, instead of the “y” sound, they pronounce the “zh” in the word calle, pronouncing the word “caje” instead of “kaye,” which can be somewhat jarring for those who are familiar with Spanish. Most of the population are Catholics. The influence of religion is even enshrined at the constitutional level: only a Catholic can be the president of the country.
3. Football is my favorite sport
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Argentines love football very much. During important competitions, schoolchildren are even given extra days off so that they do not miss matches. Two Argentine football players are famous throughout the world: Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, and the country’s national team consistently shows good results in international competitions.
4. Buenos Aires – the city of winds
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The capital of Argentina was founded in 1536 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Mendoza. Its name translates as “good winds”. And this is true: a fresh wind constantly blows in the city, but there is practically no frost. The capital has many attractions – ancient cathedrals, museums and other historical buildings. Among contemporary art, the giant steel flower Floralis Genérica, 34 meters high, created in 2002, is striking. It opens its petals every morning and closes them at sunset. The structure is installed in the Ricoleta area, opposite the National Museum of Fine Arts at Avenida del Libertador, 1473.
5. La Boca is the most picturesque area of the capital
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This is the historical and artistic center of Buenos Aires. Its main feature is the colorful houses painted with bright paint. On the streets of the quarter, musicians play, couples dance and souvenirs are traded briskly. There is even a makeshift outdoor gallery of paintings by local artists called Caminito.
6. Iguazu Falls is the main attraction
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A system of giant waterfalls 82 meters high is located almost on the border with Brazil, 7 kilometers from the airport and 18 kilometers from the city of Puerto Iguazu. The waterfalls are surrounded by picturesque forests.
7. In Argentina you can visit the end of the world
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At the southern tip of the country is Tierra del Fuego, where the continent ends and access to Antarctica opens. The southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, is located in the Beagle Channel. It is from here that polar explorers set off to explore Antarctica. The city’s museums reflect its history. Over the years, the city has been a haven for medieval sailors, a Christian stronghold for missionaries, a prison and a naval base for the Argentine Air Force. Today, Ushuaia is a tourist center with many hotels and shops. 12 kilometers to the west of it is the picturesque Lake Roca, which can be reached by train.
8. Luxurious landscapes of Patagonia and the Perito Moreno glacier
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Patagonia is a wild land with many national parks that has made Argentina famous throughout the world. The most famous national park in Patagonia is Los Glaciares. Bus and walking tours are available here. You can get to the starting point of the excursions – the village of El Calafate – by plane from Buenos Aires.
The main decoration of Los Glaciares is the amazingly beautiful blue Perito Moreno glacier, 5 kilometers wide. It is in constant motion, sliding 2 meters a day. Trekking takes place along the icy slopes of the glacier: through the Magellan forest, past caves and strange ice palaces.
9. Argentina – the birthplace of tango
This passionate dance originated here. Two hundred years ago it was considered too obscene, since in the dances of those times the only contact between partners was at the level of touching hands. Couples danced tango only in closed areas. At the end of the 19th century, young wealthy Argentines brought their fiery dance to the Old World. The main difference between Argentine tango and other dances is the frequent contact of partners at chest level and complex pirouettes. Tango takes its origins from black dances to the beat of drums, so every movement occurs to clear, energetic music.
10. Colorful Argentine carnival
Not only Brazil can boast of colorful street shows in original costumes. In the summer, in January-February, in the town of Gualeguaychu (province of Entre Rios), every Saturday there are chic appearances at the sambadrome of models in shining outfits, decorated with sequins and feathers. Some are dressed in immodest outfits that Victoria’s Secret models would envy, others in unusual samurai and ninja costumes. The enchanting procession is accompanied by brightly decorated platforms following the participants.
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