Argentinian Tradition Map

Here is a catalogue for you to keep when you need to know which destination you should visit for your next adventure in this southern country.

The RSA defines tradition as the doctrine or custom preserved in a people due to their transmission from generation to generation. So, all in all, our country is like a big family; and each family member keeps a millenary treasure that evokes years of history. That is how traditions are established, and the End of the World country veils a candombe that celebrates mate, passion, music, gauchos, the countryside, and football. Stepping on our nation means visiting an infinite universe of heritage without any doubt.

Now, why do we celebrate our legacy on November 10th? Because a day like today, back then in 1834, José Hernández was born. For those who don’t know him, we’ll introduce him. He is the famous author of the poem “El Gaucho Martín Fierro” —the literary classic that tells about Fierro’s adventures, lifestyle, code of honour, and traditions, of course. Fierro was a typical countryside man from the Pampa region. For many, this work of art is the perfect picture of Argentinian society in the 19th century. That is why he deserves a day on which to be recalled and celebrated. For him, the wonderful portrait of our culture, and each of our distinctive traditions. 

Even though Tradition Day celebrates the most gaucho-like habits, many customs left a mark on Argentines, no matter the day. So, you can find below a record of the most popular ones and some of the many destinations where you can discover them. 

1. Tango and Football in Buenos Aires

Is there something more Argentinian than this tango and football duet? The answer won’t surprise you. The thing is, the 2x4 rhythm has been played since the 19th century, and it has never been silenced. It’s not a dance; it’s a symbol. It started in Río de la Plata, and it managed to get installed in everyone’s heart, people from Buenos Aires and travellers. That’s why there are no areas that can get rid of tango melodies: the squares, San Telmo pavements, the streets of the neighbourhoods, and the capital’s theatres.

The same happens with football. It doesn’t have to be a professional encounter to make participants and assistants thrilled. From the amazing Argentina national football team matches to national clubs and neighbourhood picaditos or pick-up games, Argentinian sport passion is skin-deep. We don’t really need more icons: everyone is moved by Maradona and Messi. Buenos Aires knows that and has built loads of stadiums, such as La Bombonera in La Boca, which are today kind of football passion monuments.

2. Gaucho Traditions in Patagonia

Drinking mate, breaking in horses, bonfires, asado, taverns, and improvised folk songs. As Martín Fierro tells us, gauchos have expert knowledge of their homeland. They are archetypes of Argentinian culture. They are riders, inseparable from their horses. They have defined the traditions that make us a people nowadays, and visiting La Pampa province means going through historical traces.

FYI: in San Antonio de Areco (Buenos Aires), far from Patagonia, the Tradition Festival is celebrated every year, commemorating the gaucho and regional culture’s splendour.

3. Mate in the Litoral Region

A kettle, hot water, and yerba. For some, it’s just mate; for others, the happiness recipe. Its origin goes back to the Guaranis in the Litoral region. So, it’s not surprising that there is a 1,200-kilometre tour from Misiones to Corrientes perfect for celebrating the mate culture: the Yerba Mate Route. More than 200 thematic undertakings of this national cultivation are part of this unique circuit.

Besides the official birthplace, nowadays, the mate seeps through Argentina’s people. So much so that every region knows about this infusion pleasure, regardless of the corner of the country you are visiting.

4. Horse Dressage in Córdoba

If we are talking about horses, Córdoba is always present. Its well-known sierras are the ideal landscapes to ride a horse, surrounded by dream-like sceneries. If we are talking about traditions, the Fernet drink and cuarteto dance land has its own way of celebrating them: Festival Nacional de Doma y Folklore. It’s a twelve-day festival with live music, breaking-in competitions, parades, and gaucho skill exhibitions.

5. Folk Dance and Empanadas from the North 

Empanada recipes are everywhere, not only in the north. That’s true, but it’s also true that this delicious northern food has quite a reputation inside and outside Argentina. What are they? A kind of individual salt pie with different stuffing —chopped meat is the most traditional. Fried or oven-baked, all kinds are perfect.

Now, we talked about dance, but you need to know that tango is not the only Argentinian symbol. Actually, folk dance, or folklore, makes whole villages dance. It’s a rhythm that has several versions across Argentina, just as empanadas. Yet, in Salta and Jujuy, you’ll find people dancing the Carnavalito, which brings joy to those dancing it or the lucky ones watching it. This rhythm and various adaptations are part of the Carnaval de Humahuaca in Jujuy, which celebrates the Pachamama among colours, traditions, and songs. 

6. Love for Wine in Cuyo

Gastronomic traditions carry weight in Argentina. And if we pair gourmet exquisite delicacies with wine tasting, we’ll be doubling it down. Luckily, this land knows about wine, and a lot. So, it is not surprising that wine has become, with time, part of our cultural legacy.

Picture this: having a glass of wine surrounded by the Andes mountain range. How amazing, right? Of course, it is. The ideal place for that is Mendoza, a province where the three-time world-best winery winner, Piedra Infinita by Zuccardi, lies. More than tempting. Malbec is the favourite vine, and the tradition says it has to be paired with red meat. Would you like to try it?