Page 51 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Argentina

ARGENTINA THROUGH THE Y EAR  49

Winter Public Holidays
Rain drenches the central Año Nuevo (New Year’s Day,
provinces, and Patagonia turns Jan 1)
bitterly cold. This is, however, Carnaval (Penultimate Mon
the most sublime time to be in and Tue of Feb)
the south, as the Southern Right Jueves Santo (Maundy
whales swim into Península Thursday, Mar/Apr)
Valdés and the breeding season
begins. The ski season keeps Viernes Santo (Good Friday,
Bariloche and Mendoza busy. Mar/Apr)
Día Nacional de la Memoria
June por la Verdad y la Justicia
Día de la Bandera (3rd Mon), (Day of Remembrance for
across Argentina. This day Truth and Justice, Mar 24)
com memo rates the death Día de las Malvinas (Malvinas
anni versary of General Manuel War Veterans’ Day, Mon
Belgrano, creator of the People praying in church on nearest Apr 2)
country’s national flag. The Día de San Cayetano
white and sky-blue bandera Día del Trabajo (Labor Day,
May 1)
(flag) is hoisted and the national attracts locals and tourists alike.
anthem sung across the nation. Tango-themed events take over Día de la Revolución de
the whole city, from art and Mayo (May Revolution Day,
July photo graphy exhi bitions to May 25)
Día de la Independencia free dance classes and live Día de la Bandera (Flag Day,
(Jul 9), across Argentina. Less shows by major tango stars. 3rd Mon of Jun)
important than Día de la The excitement peaks with the Día de la Independencia
Revolución de Mayo, but flags World Tango Championships, an (Independence Day, Jul 9)
are raised to honor the troops international gathering of skilled
that ousted Spanish control. dancers, couples who don their Día del Libertador General
Festival Nacional del Poncho best and compete at all levels. San Martín (General San
(late Jul), Catamarca. This Fiesta Nacional de la Nieve Martín’s Day, 3rd Mon of Aug)
colorful festival features exhi- (mid-Aug), Bariloche. The new Día de la Raza (Columbus
bitions displaying beautiful season’s snow is welcomed with Day, Mon nearest Oct 12)
handwoven ponchos, colorful parades, ski races, and a torch-lit Inmaculada Concepción de
deco rated blankets and carpets, descent of Cerro Catedral. It la Virgen María (Immaculate
tapestries, and other regional includes the election of a Conception Day, Dec 8)
textiles. Folk music concerts and National Snow Queen. Noche Buena (Christmas Eve,
lively dances are also held. Día del Libertador General San Dec 24)
Martín (mid-Aug), across
August Argentina. Flags are hoisted and Navidad (Christmas Day,
La Rural (July–Aug), Buenos hymns are sung to commemorate Dec 25)
Aires. A huge three-week the anniver sary of Independence Fin de Año (Dec 31)
agricultural fair, with prize stock hero José San Martín’s death.
displayed proudly by breeders
from across the interior provinces.
Gauchos dazzle their audiences
with equestrian stunts. Local
food and organic produce stalls
are also an important part of
this lively event.
Día de San Cayetano (Aug 7),
Buenos Aires. Praying and
weeping believers gather at the
church of St. Cayetano to ask for
help from the patron saint of
bread and work and to thank
him for favors past. As St.
Cayetano Day approaches, the
streets fill up with tents around
the San Cayetano church.
Festival Buenos Aires Tango
(mid-Aug), Buenos Aires. The
most important tango festival Couple participating in the World Tango Championship, Buenos Aires

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