This excerpt first appeared in Encarta Interactive World Atlas (1998) and describes the cultural habits and social customs of the country’s people.

Argentina: Customs and Lifestyle

Diet and Eating

Argentines eat more beef per capita than any other people in the world. Argentina is a major beef producer, and so domestic prices are low enough for most people to eat beef every day, and many people entertain at the weekend with an asado, or barbecue. Popular foods include baked stuffed beef and empanadas, which are pies made with meat or vegetables. A preferred winter stew is locro, made of meat, corn, and potatoes. The government and health officials are encouraging lower beef consumption for health reasons. Maté is a popular hot tea. Italian and French foods are also widely available.

Traditionally the main meal is eaten in the middle of the day, but many of those who work in cities now have it in the evening, usually after 9 pm. Argentine eating habits and table manners have been influenced by their European origins. For example, hands—but not elbows—should be kept above the table. Restaurant waiters may be summoned by raising the hand with the index finger extended. Eating in the street or on public transport is inappropriate.

Recreation

Football is the national sport and is enjoyed by children and adults alike. Other popular sports include horse racing, rugby, field hockey, tennis, polo, and basketball. The Colón Theatre, a fine opera house, is located in Buenos Aires, and there are many theatres, restaurants, and clubs. The tango, a ballroom dance, originated in Argentina.

Holidays and Celebrations

Holidays in Argentina are generally spent with one’s family. New Year’s Day is celebrated on 1 January with fireworks. Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, celebrates Jesus Christ’s Last Supper commandment to love one another—maundy is derived from the word “mandate”. Maundy Thursday also commemorates the institution of the Eucharist. Argentines also celebrate Good Friday (the Friday preceding Easter), and Easter Sunday.

Malvinas Day, on 2 April, commemorates the failed Argentine attempt to recover the Falkland Islands from British rule. This brief war was fought in 1982. Labour Day is observed on 1 May. Argentina declared its independence from a Spanish colonial viceroyalty on 25 May 1810, but did not declare independence from Spain itself until 9 July 1816. These two dates are now celebrated as National Day and Independence Day respectively. Flag Day is observed on 20 June.

The death of General José de San Martín, known as “the Liberator” of Peru, Chile, and Argentina for his defeat of the Spanish, is remembered on 17 August. Columbus’s “discovery” of America is celebrated on 12 October.

The Immaculate Conception (8 December) celebrates the Roman Catholic belief that Mary’s soul was preserved free from original sin. Argentines celebrate Christmas Day on 25 December with fireworks, among other festivities.

At the age of 15 girls celebrate their cumpleaños de quince, which is believed to mark their entrance into adulthood. The celebration is known as the quinceañero.

Source: Encarta Interactive World Atlas

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Argentina