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History & culture

History

The earliest inhabitants of Argentina were nomadic tribes of hunter-gatherers, who had fought the Incas and lived simply until the arrival of Europeans in the 1500’s. The first Spanish settlement was Santa Fe in 1573. Buenos Aires was founded seven years later. At first the Spanish were unenthusiastic by the lack of gold and silver. Later they realized the potential of Argentina to supply food and animals to the cities in Peru and Bolivia.

Huge areas of land estancias were given to settlers, and the Indians worked under a forced-labour system. After Napoleon’s invasion of Spain, the country was left to fend for itself and began to foster a growing sense of independence, the Creoles (native-born) population even fought off British invaders. Following Napoleon’s defeat the Spanish attempted to seize their colonies back.

By 1816, the deep division between Argentina and its mother country had become quite evident, and a party of separatists decided to declare the country's independence. One of the new patriots, Jose de San Martin, crossed the Andes to achieve independence for Chile and then headed to Peru to free Lima from the Spanish domain. Along with Simon Bolivar, Martin is credited with breaking off Spanish rule.

The cattle ranchers became wealthy; and one of them Rosas, became a despotic leader and during his 20 year reign of terror many of the indigenous tribes were wiped out. This trend continued as sheep were introduced and needed more land. During the 19^th century, the British invested heavily in the opening up of the country by railways. A middle class evolved and industrialization advanced during World War II.

The twentieth century was marked by a series of democratic and military governments which had violent opponents and charismatic leaders such as Perón and his second wife Evita. During the 1970’s a repressive government fought a war against left-wing guerrillas and as a distraction occupied the Falklands (Malvinas) in 1982. Thatcher’s British forces defeated General Galtieri’s conscripts and the junta came to an end. The re-introduction of democracy was the best result of the war.

The 21^st has seen a severe blow to the Argentine economy, and in two months the presidency changed five times. The current president is seeking a way to strengthen the once great country. Tourism is being promoted as a way to gain foreign currency. There has never been a better time to vist the country.

Culture

Argentina's culture has been greatly affected by its immigrant population, mostly European. Sadly they contributed to the demise of native cultures. The European immigrant groups each adopted different roles. The Basque and Irish controlled sheep rearing, the Germans and Italians established farms, and the British invested in developing the infra-structure.

More than one-third of the country's 32 million people live in Buenos Aires, the capital, which along with other urban areas accounts for almost 90% of the total population. The main indigenous peoples are the Quechua of the northwest and the Mapuche in Patagonia. Other can be found in the Chaco and the northeast. There are strong Jewish and Anglo-Argentine communities throughout the country; plus Japanese, Chileans and Bolivians; and pockets of Paraguayan and Uruguayan residents.

The universal language of Argentina is Spanish, but many natives and immigrants keep their mother tongues as a matter of pride. In Buenos Aires a city slang called lunfardo is used. Argentina has religious freedom, although the official religion is Roman Catholic.

All over Argentina fine handicrafts can be found. The gauchos produce silver buckled belts, spurs, stirrups and the mate gourds from which they drink their mate through a silver straw. The indigenous groups produce wood carvings, weavings and textiles such as ponchos. Argentina is one of the few South American countries with a thriving cinema and TV industry. Since the end of dictatorship and military rule the arts have flourished. Tango is the quintessential music and dance of Argentina, but other folkloric traditions persist. There is even a home-grown rock music industry. The Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires is reputed to be one of the best and most outstanding theatres in the world.

One cannot omit the national obsession with football but motor racing and polo also form part of the national psyche.

Fiestas & holidays

The main holiday period is January to March (when the schools are closed), one should book along time ahead during this period. Easter and July are also busy times. The 10 November Dia de La Tradicion are like a gaucho games, with displays, music, and plenty of asado meat.

The following is a selection of the special regional events occurring annually in Argentina: