Page 29 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Argentina

A POR TR AIT OF ARGENTINA  27

Immigrants
Mass immigration transformed Argentinian
society at the end of the 19th century, bringing
much-needed cheap labor while at the same time
enriching the country’s social and cultural scene.
Buenos Aires was the favored
disembarking point for European
immigrants, and, although conditions
were tough for a majority of these people,
they continued to come in their thousands.
Animal sacrifices are held to ensure
a good harvest for the coming year.

The Italian community in the capital’s La Boca area is
famous for its tenement buildings painted in primary
colors by the first wave of Genoese immi grants. The
lively port barrio (neighborhood) still retains
something of its original atmosphere.

Germans also form a
sizable community. A
number of Argentinian
towns such as Villa Gesell
(see p154) were founded
by German immigrants,
as is apparent from their
architec ture and street
names. Several have
retained their native
customs, including the
Oktoberfest beer festival.

The Jews in Argentina form one of the
largest Jewish communities of any Swiss immigrants to Argentina made their homes in
country outside Israel. It is estimated to towns that nestled in the slopes of the beautiful Andes
comprise 250,000 people, around 180,000 region. Their architectural influence is still evident
of whom live in the capital city, which has today, as can be seen in this Swiss-style hotel in
several synagogues. Bariloche (see p242).

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