This week we will be writing a three-part blog series on music in Latin America. The blog will be divided into; (1) The origins and influences of musical styles in Latin America, (2) Current music in a variety of Latin American countries, (3) Exploring Argentine music.

THE ORIGINS AND INFLUENCES OF MUSICAL STYLES IN LATIN AMERICA (PART ONE)

Latin America is comprised of those countries in the Caribbean, Central, South and  North America (Mexico) where Spanish and Portugese are the official languages.

Latin America

CARIBBEAN

• Cuba

• Dominican Republic

• Haiti

• Puerto Rico

CENTRAL AMERICA

• Costa Rica

• El Salvador

• Guatemala

• Honduras

• Nicaragua

• Panama

• Belize

NORTH AMERICA

• Mexico

SOUTH AMERICA

• Argentina

• Bolivia

• Brazil

• Chile

• Colombia

• Ecuador

• Paraguay

• Peru

• Uruguay

• Venezuela

Firstly, it is important to know that the vast genres of Latin American music were highly influenced by European colonization and the slave trade with Africa.

Brazilian drum show

The styles of Latin music are amalgamations of cultural influences, namely European, specifically from the Spanish of which the Moorish empire had left a huge cultural imprint. The Moors were the medieval Muslim inhabitants of countries including Morocoo, western Algeria, Western Sahara, Italy, Malta and their Iberian territory Al-Andalus, an area comprising Gibraltar, much of what is now Spain and Portugal, and part of France. The Moors were known for their rich musical expressions, use of guitars (in which the classical Spanish guitar originated) and many song types and verse structures of which after their defeat, were adopted and integrated into the Spanish music culture and furthermore developed over many years. Many other Moorish integrations contribute to Spain’s cultural growth and there always have and always will be close correlations between the two cultures because of their history which was shared for more than 400 years.

Moorish music

One of the most obvious observations of European influence on Latin American music would be of course that the majority of Latin vocals are sung in either Portugese or Spanish. As the first Spanish Conquest with Christopher Columbus came in 1492, and later the Portugese Conquest of Brazil in 1500, also came the development and spreading of the Spanish and Portugese languages in the Americas.

Christopher Columbus

Spanish and Portuguese have persisted long after Portugal and Spain gave up their colonies though, and the languages lent a unique cohesion to the mosaic of musical styles in the region. A Spanish instrument that has played a key role for many years is the güiro. It is constantly used in Latin-American music and is used in rhythm section of important genres like cumbia and salsa.

A guiro, Spanish instrument

Putting the language factor aside, it is important to remember that the indigenous people of the New World had their own music. For instance, the Maya culture produced all kinds of percussion and wind instruments. All kinds of flutes were made all over the American continent and fortunately, this original expression has persisted to date in traditional Latin music like South America’s Andean music.

Andean music

The African slave trade that started during the early stages of exploration and settlement, brought approximately 12 million Africans (of whom many were also of Moorish descent) to the Americas between the 16th and 19th century.

Slavery in Latin America

The act of drumming back in Africa had long been recognized as a spiritual act and consequently was very common in religious ceremonies. Another amazing use for the drums was for communicative purposes and often codes were used to be played over long distances for the sending and receiving of messages. The most common form of using drums was just for the pure joy and allowed for free-form dance. The slaves brought this mentality and craftsmanship with them over the ocean and were fortunately allowed by their owners to liberally play their drums, one of the only rights they were able to receive and therefore played with much passion and gusto.

Slaves drumming

Because of the busy ports in places like New Orleans and Louisiana where many ships would stop for trading and supplies, slaves who were musically-inclined on the Caribbean ships were able to exchange new rhythms, dances, and songs among slaves from neighbouring ships. This, through the centuries gave birth to a rich cultural mix between the African slaves and native population- a distinct Moorish or commonly referred to as Afro-Caribbean culture. African musical influences include:

• syncopations (offbeat accents) and cross-rhythms

• use of percussion

• call and response group singing style

• singing styles

During the the 17th and 19th centuries in particular, these Afro rhythms developed and spread throughout the Caribbean. This music was traditionally played or accompanied by native percussion and string instruments, namely the timbales, congas, bongo, guitar, and the tres (nine-string Cuban guitar).

African instruments

Every country and every island in the Caribbean developed its own unique musical culture, many musical styles of which are very well-known today and tie-in very closely with some Brazilian styles:

-Bolero

-Son

-Plena

-Bomba

-Bachata

-Reggae

-Ska

-Zouk

-Samba

-Salsa

-Merengue

-Timba

To tie in from influences from many years ago, we must acknowledge African-American music and how it has influenced a more recent time in history. In particular, the development of Jazz has had a tremendous impact in the creation of new Latin music rhythms such as Mambo, Bossa Nova, and Latin Jazz.

Bossa Nova

Also, In the last 30 years African-American styles like R&B and Hip-Hop have really defined the development of Latin music genres such as Reggaeton and Urban music which are incredibly popular styles in many Latin and foreign countries around the world.

Reggaeton group

Cows were brought into Argentina by the Spanish in 1536. The cattle soon multiplied as a result of the geography of the Pampas and a local market. The introduction of refrigerated trains and ships in the late nineteenth century paved the way for strong exports to the United States and Europe.  The flipped seasons between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meant that Argentine beef came onto the market at a time of year when beef was less at hand in the Northern Hemisphere, thus elevating the product.

Gaucho and cows

Argentine beef and its production have played a major part in the culture of Argentina, from the asado to the history of the gauchos of the Pampas. Landowners became wealthy from beef production and export, and estancia owners built large houses, important buildings in Buenos Aires and elsewhere, and contributed to politics, philanthropy and society.

Argentine Pampas

So there was clearly money to be made from cows in Argentina but why are they so popular and what makes them delicious?

Beef quality is dependent on the diet provided to cattle and their living conditions. The two different farming regimes used for beef production in Argentina are grass pasture and feedlot-based farming. Argentina’s rainfall and largely temperate climate result in high quality pastures, which may, however, not be suitable for more intensive agriculture. The Humid Pampa  (Pampa Húmeda) is an extensive region of flat, fertile grassland of loessic origin in central to lower Argentina. It has a precipitation average of 900 mm per year and is the most important and best-known cattle-producing region, as it has vast and open pastures. Grass-fed beef is believed to be healthier than beef from feedlots, as it contains more omega three fatty acids than grain-fed beef, and so does not contribute so much to raising cholesterol in humans. Although the latter diet is increasing, grass-fed beef is still the most popular in Argentina

Grass-fed cattle are living under more natural conditions, and are less likely to have hormone implants. On the other hand, the technique requires large amounts of expensive land and a larger number of trained staff. Additionally, it takes longer to raise the animal.

As beef is increasingly mass-produced, farming techniques with the ultimate goal of fattening the animals are evolving; the most common of these is grain-fed beef cattle held in feedlots. But as the animals, denied physical effort and stocked together, get fatter. In order to prevent disease on farms and feedlots, the animals are fed antibiotics. The feedlot diet guarantees constant and controlled results, year-round productivity as it is not as dependent on climate and does not require so much land. Taking into consideration all these factors, it is thus the cheaper diet, but there are suggestions it is less beneficial for the welfare of the animals and for the health-giving qualities and flavour of the meat.

It may prove difficult for the consumers in Argentina, either buying in a restaurant or at a butchers shop, to identify whether the cow has been grass fed or grained fed. Labeling has yet to really take off in Argentina. However if you ask your local butcher nicely than then he might provide you with the answer. You can ask this in restaurants as well. If they do not know whether the cow has been grass fed or grain fed then its likely that it has been grain fed.   Ultimately you will know after your meal. Once you have found your trusted beef supplier then stick to it and develop a good relationship.

Two breeds of cows worth looking for:

Horthorn

Originally from northeast England, the shorthorn was introduced to Argentina in 1826 and was the first foreign breed to enter the country. As in many other countries, Argentina’s selection was designated to produce not only meat but milk as well.

Aberdeen Angus

Originally from Scotland, the Aberdeen angus were first introduced to Argentina by Don Carlos Guerrero in 1879. They are generally found in temperate climates. Instead of focusing on crossbreeding in order to strength their qualities, Argentine farmers decided to focus on a purebred evolution based on natural and high-quality nutrition.

Aberdeen Angus

Here are the main cuts to go for; In Spanish and English;

1. bife de chorizo – sirloin; a thick, juicy and popular cut

2. bife de costilla – T-bone; a cut close to the bone; also called chuleta

3. bife de lomo – tenderloin; a thinly cut, more tender piece

4. cuadril – rump steak; often a thin cut

5. ojo de bife – ribeye; a choice smaller morsel

6. tira de asado – shortribs; thin strips of ribs and meat sliced crosswise

7. vacío – flank steak; textured and chewy, but very tasty

Nicely prepared

If you don’t specify, your steak will be cooked a punto (medium). To get it pink on the inside ask for jugoso (medium rare). Vuelta y vuelta or poco cocido means rare, and well done is bien cocido.

Asado is a term used both for a range of barbeque techniques and the social event of having or attending a barbecue. A great way to enjoy yourself whilst learning the Spanish language.

Parrilla

You will find numerous parrillas in Buenos Aires. These are essentially steakhouses. The parrilla is the actual bbq itself. Ensure that the parrilla is authenic, uses natural coals and is operated by a competent individual.

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Ernesto ”Che“ Guevara June 14,1928–October 9, 1967, commonly known as el Che or simply Che, was an Argentine Marxist Revolutionary physician, author, guerrilla leader, diplomat, and military theorist. A major figure of the Cuban Revolution, his stylized visage has become a ubiquitous counter culture symbol of rebellion and global insignia within popular culture.

Che

Carlos Gardel (born Charles Romuald Gardes; 11 December 1890 – 24 June 1935) was a singer, songwriter, composer and actor, and is perhaps the most prominent figure in the history of tango. The unerring musicality of Gardel’s baritone voice and the dramatic phrasing of his lyrics made miniature masterpieces of his hundreds of three-minute tango recordings. Together with lyricist and long-time collaborator Alfredo Le Pera, Gardel wrote several classic tangos.

Gardel

Charly García (born Carlos Alberto García Moreno on October 23, 1951) is a singer-songwriter, pianist, keyboardist, guitarist and bassist from Argentina with a long career in rock music, forming successful groups such as Sui Generis and Seru Giran, cult status groups like La Maquina de Hacer Pajaros, and as a solo musician. Widely considered by critics as one of the most influential rock artists in the Spanish rock .

Charly Charly Charly…

Evita was the second wife of President Juan Peron  and served as the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 until her death in 1952. She famously gave a speech from the Casa Rosada to successfully get her husband out of jail and reinstated as the leader. Her rise from obscure poverty to the heights of national and even international prestige is a compelling story of personal ambition and achievement.  Evita represents hope, beauty, Argentine identity and women.

Evita

Diego Armando Maradona 8 born 30 October 1960) is an Argentine football coach as well as a manager and former player. Many experts, football critics, former players, current players and football fans in general consider Maradona to be the greatest football player of all time. He was joint FIFA player of the 20th Century with Pele. Formerly a player for Boca Juniors he was soon raised to an unprecedented status. Today the Boca fans say this; ‘Boca is our religion, La Doce (home supporters stand) is our church and Maradona is our God.´

God

Alejandro Agresti (born June 2, 1961, in Buenos Aires) is an Argetine film director, writer and producer. He has become increasingly influential in the United States and directed The Lake House with top Hollywood actors Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves in 2006.

In action

Emanuel David “Manu” Ginóbili (born 28 July 1977) is an Argentine professional basketball player. Coming from a family of professional basketball players, he is a member of the Argentine men’s basketball team and the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA.

Manu

Gabriela Beatriz Sabatini (born 16 May 1970 in Buenos Aires, Argetina) is a former professional Argentine tennis player. She was one of the leading players on the women’s circuit in the late-1980s and early-1990s. She won the women’s singles title at the US Open in 1990, the women’s doubles title at Wimbledon in 1988, two Year-End Championships in 1988 and 1994, and a silver medal at the 1988 Olympic games.

Gabriella

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands Máxima Zorreguieta Cerruti; born 17 May 1971) is the wife of King Willem-Alexander. On 30 April 2013, she became the first Dutch queen consort since Emma of Waldeck and Pyrmont who held that title until 1890.

Maxima

Bérénice Bejo (born 7 July 1976) is an Argentine-born French actress, known for playing Christiana in the 2001 film A knight´s tale and Peppy Miller in the 2011 film The Artist. Her work in The Artist received a nomination for the 2011 Academy Award for best supporting actress and won her the Cesar Award for best actress.

Berenic Bejo

Los Gatos –  The group got their start in 1967. They recorded their first two singles “Ayer Nomás” and A-side “La Balsa”, which turned into an unpredicted large scale hit in the Argentine winter of 67, selling over 200,000 copies, leading to their full-length debut later that year. The following year they went on tour around the Southern Cone, and then released their 2nd album Seremos Amigos, permeating psychedelic rock during the height of that sub-genre of rock.

Los Gatos

Jorge Francisco Isidoro Luis Borges orge Francisco Isidoro Luis Borges (24 August 1899 – 14 June 1986), known as Jorge Luis Borges was an Argentine short-story writer, essayist, poet and translator born in Buenos Aires. His work embraces the “character of unreality in all literature”.  His most famous books, Ficciones (1944) and The Aleph (1949), are compilations of short stories interconnected by common themes such as dreams, labyrinths, libraries, mirrors, animals, fictional writers, philosophy, religion and God. His works have contributed to philosophical literature and also to both the fantasy and magical realism genres.

Jorge Luis Borges

Ricardo Darin is one of the biggest movie stars in Argentina. He played a number of parts in TV series for several years where he became popular as a young leading actor. His most prominent roles as a film actor include Nine Queens (2000), El hijo de la Novia (2001),Luna de Avellaneda (2004), El Aura (2005) and La senal (2007), which was also his directorial debut. He recently starred in the Academy Award winning film The secret in their eyes (2009). In 2011 the Konex  Foundation from Argentina granted him the Diamond Konex Award, one of the most prestigious awards in Argentina, as the most important personality in Entertainment in the last decade in his country.

Ricardo Dawin

José Francisco de San Martín (25 February 1778 – 17 August 1850), known simply as José de San Martín, was an Argebntine general and the prime leader of the southern part of South America´s successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire. Born in Yapeyu, Corrientes, in modern Argentina, he left his mother country at the early age of seven to study in Malaga, Spain.

San martin

Juan Manuel Fangio; June 24, 1911 – July 17, 1995, nicknamed El Chueco (“the bowlegged one”, also commonly translated as “bandy legged”) or El Maestro (“The Master”), was a racing car driver from Argentina, who dominated the first decade of Formula One racing.  He is viewed by many as the all time best F1 driver. His influence is ever present today on the streets of Buenos Aires….

Fangio

Benito Quinquela Martin (March 1, 1890 – January 28, 1977) was an Argentine painter born in La Boca, Buenos Aires. Quinquela Martín is considered the port painter-par-excellence and one of the most popular Argentine painters. His paintings of port scenes show the activity, vigor and roughness of the daily life in the port of La Boca.

Benito

Messi –  Say no more…………………………………………….

The God

Buenos Aires is one of the largest urban areas in the world. Approximately 3 million people live in Buenos Aires proper, and 13 million people in the Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan área.

Ethnicity in Buenos Aires is a topic that I’ve been wanting to write about for a while as I’ve been studying Spanish here for many months and the city´s cultural abundancy interests me so much. After my first arrival to BsAs a couple of years ago, I instantly realised what a cultural melting pot this city was. Walking down any street in this city and you are able to see, hear and experience multiple Spanish accents, skin tones, body and face structures, styles of dress and of course, numerous languages.  All of these things have contributed to my staying long-term as this diversity is exactly what I’m looking for out of an overseas experience. In my opinion, it’s these qualities that have allowed so many foreigners to fall in love with this place and end up staying months or even years.

So, amazingly 85% of Argentina’s population traces back to European heritage-an incredible figure right? The other 15% comprises of populations from neighbouring nations, Asian, Native American, African American and Middle Eastern backgrounds. As migration flows to Buenos Aires and Argentina are constantly shifting, the composition of the community is changing with that. As you can imagine, what results is a very complex intermixing of races, sharing of traditions and consequently a very interesting city to explore in terms of cuisine, religious celebrations, architecture and people-watching!

European Immigration to South America

Despite this constant state of cultural change stemming from  immigration in Argentina, I would like to mention just a few ethnic groups here that may not be obvious to the tourist’s eye. Sometimes to see and experience this ethnic diversity, it’s worth a short ride to Buenos Aires’ more residencial neighbourhoods.

Armenian Grocery Store

Spaniards and Italians are the largest and most influential of the several European ethnic groups in Argentina. The first wave of Spaniards and Criollos came in the 16th century with the exploration and further expeditions of the continent. By 1778, there were 25000 living in the región. A further census in 1824 noted Buenos Aires city had 55,416 inhabitants, of which 40,000 were of European descent. From the year 1856, policies were implemented that encouraged massive European immigration. Consequently, Argentina’s population almost doubled with arrivals of European immigrants from Italy, Spain, Germany, Wales, Poland, Croatia, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland and Belgium. Smaller but significant numbers of immigrants included those from France, Austria, Hungary,  England, Scotland and Ireland.

Obviously many of these European races consist of having quite fair complexions, therefore it is very easy to assume someone on the street or in a bar is a fellow traveller, only to then discover that they are actually from here. I still experience this often and it’s always one awesome surprise (especially when you are able to practice your Spanish with them and they are always happy to help).

Arrival in Buenos Aires

Moving onto one of the largest minority groups here in Argentina-there are an estimated 180 000 Argentines of Asian ancestry! 120 000 of these  are of Chinese descent, 2 000 of Japanese descent, 25 000 of Korean descent, and 2 000 of Lao descent. Consequently, it’s of no surprise that their culture has become a part of modern Argentine society.

Chinese New Year

In Buenos Aires, the “Jardín Japonés” (Japanese Garden and Teahouse) has become a traditional landmark of the city since its opening 30 years ago.

Jardin Japones

Koreans live primarily in Balvanera and Flores (where the Koreatown is located) districts of Buenos Aires, and are mainly involved in the manufacturing and selling of textiles.

The Chinese group of immigrants were largely entrepreneurs who settled in Buenos Aires during the 1990s. There is a Chinatown with a Buddhist temple in Belgrano. Much of the population are involved with grocery retailing which has caused Chinese-owned stores to become a common feature of Buenos Aires and referred to as simply ´chinos´. Other important businesses include textile manufacture and buffet-style restaurants.  Aside from generating local businesses, the Chinese have made their mark in the country in many other ways. Mandarin Chinese has become increasingly prominent in Argentina, as it is considered an appealing language to learn and master in business, given the expanding Chinese market and its rising clout in international diplomacy, trade and finance in South America. Today, Chinese are the fastest growing community in Buenos Aires.

Un ´chino´

Today, approximately 250,000 Jews live in Argentina. It is the largest Jewish community in Latin America, the third-largest in the Americas (after that of the United States and Canada), and the sixth-largest in the world. The neighborhoods of Villa Crespo, Belgrano and especially Once (the oldest and most traditonal) are home to thriving Jewish communities where you’ll find synagogues, kosher restaurants, delis, butchers, supermarkets, panaderias, and other supplies of needs for those who keep kosher. Amazingly enough there is also a kosher McDonald’s in Abasto Shopping Centre in Once.

Jewish celebration

In town, the Israeli Congregation Synagogue, otherwise known as the ¨Liberty Temple¨ was the first synagogue built in Buenos Aires and declared a National Historical Monument in 2000. The building next door houses the Jewish Museum of Buenos Aires. Go to Plaza Lavalle (Libertad 733) to see these beautiful monuments.

Libertad Temple

Argentina has the largest mosque and Muslim population in Latin America. It is home to nearly one million Muslims, representing 2.5% of the total population. Between 1860 and 1954 many Armenians, Syrians, Iranians and Lebanese came to Argentina as a consequence of the Turkish Ottoman Empire, Second World War and of the Iranian Revolution.

Mosque in Palermo

The Armenian community of Argentina in particular has maintained its identity with flying colors thanks to its devotion to the church, school and the family structure. Also, visit the neighbourhoods of Once, Villa Crespo, y Calle Armenia in Palermo Soho to experience the best of Arab food and atmosphere.

Armenian food

Since the 1980s, much immigration from Bolivia, Paraguay and Peru has had a huge impact on ethnic society here in Buenos Aires as much of the population are here without the appropriate visas. However, the Argentine Government has launched a program to encourage ilegal immigrants to regularize their status. Putting the illegality aside, this immigration has brought prosperity too like increased work opportunity, and sharing of traditions.

As I lived in centro for the first few months of my stay here, I frequently stumbled across great cultural street parties on the weekends, usually on Avenida 9 de Julio (below) or Avenida 25 de Mayo. I came across this one late last year where thousands of Bolivian dancers and musicians were performing on the widest avenue in the world and it was truly one of the coolest things I’ve ever witnessed.

Peruvian festival, 9 de Julio

Happy exploring in Buenos Aires and I’m sure you will love these cultural aspects of the city!

The benefits of living in a foreign country, learning Spanish and experiencing everything that is involved with local life are absolutely endless. After 6 fabulous months in Buenos Aires, I have grown to love some particularly odd or small things  that are typically Argentine and that as a visitor, you are surely to hear, see or experience.

HEARING PIROPOS

‘Piropos’  are comments that typically come from Porteño men and are aimed at almost any woman. They are whispered or shouted from shops, cars or across the street and can take a little while to get used to as a foreign girl. It is typical to hear anything along the lines of ‘Que hermosa’, ‘Oh linda’ or a simple whistle. Personally, it is easy to tire of them as the comments make me feel a little embarrassed, on the other hand though it is nice to be noticed and appreciated in that way.

A typical example of how a ‘piropo’ might come about

NOT HAVING TO ´STAND´IN THE SUBTE

This is actually something I find hilarious these days. The crowds in the train used to scare me quite a lot as most of the time you are pressed up against some stranger and really have to hold onto your bag. Something changed a few weeks ago and I realized that when I am so squished up against people I can just relax so much that I don’t have to worry about my legs holding me up-everyone around me is doing it for me! I do realize this sounds incredibly lazy but for me those moments really give me a sense of ‘community’.

Subtes during peak hour

STREET DEMONSTRATIONS

Street protests and demonstrations are such cool things to witness here for  visitors. They are relatively common in the city centre and out of the 6 months in which I’ve resided in BA, I have lost count of the number of times where I have walked out of my Spanish school, walked around the corner, and been confronted by  hundreds of passionate workers with huge banners, chanting, banging on drums and setting off fire crackers. The majority of these demonstrations are non-violent and only very rarely will things turn slightly ugly. Luckily, there is normally a huge security and pólice presence during these times. It is clear that there are some social problems in this country (as there are in any country) but I find it fascinating that these issues are displayed so outwardly and to me, so passionately. It really allows visitors to realize what exactly goes on here from a local point of view and always makes me think of what these demonstrations would have been like in Argentina’s tougher times.

Street demonstration

Thousands crowd to voice an opinion

MATE SHARING

Drinking mate is a critical part of sharing life together in Argentina. Go to any plaza or park around 5:00 PM on a nice day and you will quickly notice circles of family and friends laughing, talking and sharing in this traditional drink. At first, I was personally concerned with all the saliva-sharing (as people use the same straw) however, I’ve learned that it really doesn’t contribute to sicknesses in Argentina. After getting over that, I quickly realized what a lovely and communal tradition it really is. As a foreigner, it’s touching when a complete stranger offers you a drink from their mate, but for them, this is completely normal.

Mate sharing

RANDOM DISPLAYS OF SINGING

You can just walk down any random Street in Buenos Aires and hear someone singing with gusto. Most of the time I turn around and I realize that this singer is just some normal guy walking to his office or to lunch, and has just decided to show off his fabulous voice. I’m not quite sure why it is considered normal here but it has to make you smile. Each time it happens, I think how much I love this city and its’ randomness!

Public joy

KISSES, EVERYWHERE

Random fact: The standard greeting in Argentina is a kiss on one cheek; men kiss women and vice versa, women kiss women, and men kiss men, whether meeting for the very first time or having already seen one another several times in the same day. I love this as it feels oh so European and, well, just really sweet.

Public displays of affection between couples however is a completely different thing and is so common here that over time I’ve stopped being shocked when seeing a couple just soo into each other on the street. I think couples in many European countries, the States and Australia of course are much more conservative when it comes to this and I guess you are just accustomed to however it goes in your country. Putting that aside, it seems that nearly everyone in this city is so in love which I adore now as it reminds me a little of Paris.

Public display of affection

DASHING ACROSS 9 DE JULIO

Avenida 9 de Julio is the widest street in the world at an imposing sixteen lanes. It typically takes at least 2 traffic light rotations to cross.

Avenida 9 de Julio

BECOMING A BOCA FAN

The most thrilling and visceral experience of any visit to Buenos Aires is probably donning a fluffy blue and yellow hat and bouncing along with the tribal fanatics of Maradona‘s beloved team. The intoxicating display of the leaping and singing multitude is often more exciting than the game on the pitch. There is no more intense encounter than Boca Juniors playing their rivals River Plate. But any visit to Boca Juniors’ intimate Bombonera stadium will be an adventure that you’ll never forget. A word of warning, hang on to your wallet!

Boca fans going wild

I really hope you enjoyed these things as much as I do, safe travels!