What are the 11 Things Argentine is Famous for?

HISTORY, CULTURE, AND TRADITIONS ARGENTINA IS KNOWN FOR

Italian Heritage

Argentina has the second largest population of Italians outside of Italy. This is due to the mass migration of Italians to Argentina in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many Argentines have Italian ancestry, and it is very common to find Argentine families with Italian surnames.

The influence of Italian culture can be seen throughout Argentina, especially in the food. Some of the most popular dishes in Argentina, such as pizza, pasta, and gelato, have their roots in Italian cuisine.

In addition to the food, Argentines who have Italian ancestry often speak Italian as their first language or at least have a good grasp of the language. You will also find many Argentine families that celebrate Italian holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

The Italian influence in Argentina is undeniable and is one of the many things that makes Argentina such a unique and interesting country.

Gaucho Culture

The gaucho is a symbol of Argentinean culture. A gaucho is a South American cowboy, and in Argentina, the term is used to describe a nomadic horseman who lives off the land.

Gauchos are known for their skills in horsemanship and their ability to survive in the harsh conditions of the Argentinean pampas (grasslands).

The gaucho way of life is often romanticized, and they are considered to be among the best horsemen in the world.

Gauchos play an important role in Argentinean folklore and are often depicted in art and literature. They are also a popular subject of tourist souvenirs.

 If you want to get a taste of gaucho culture, then you can visit one of the many estancias (ranches) that dot the Argentinean landscape. Here, you will be able to participate in traditional activities such as horseback riding and cattle herding. You will also be able to enjoy a traditional Asado.

Bookstores

Argentina, specifically Buenos Aires, is known for its many bookstores. In fact, the city has one of the highest numbers of bookstores per person in the world. Some even consider it the “World Book Capital.”

There are over 700 bookstores in Buenos Aires. One of the most famous is the El Ateneo Grand Splendid. This is no surprise when considering that Argentina has a long literary tradition. Some of the country’s most celebrated writers include Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar, and Ernesto Sábato.

The bookstores in Buenos Aires range from small, independent shops to large chain stores. No matter what your taste in books, you will find something to your liking in one of the city’s many bookstores. If you’re a fan of literature, bookstore hopping around Buenos Aires can be fun.

SPORTS AND DANCE ARGENTINA IS FAMOUS FOR

Argentinian Soccer

Argentina is a soccer-mad nation, and the sport is the most popular in the country. Soccer is a way of life for many Argentines, and they are some of the most passionate fans in the world.

The Argentinean national team is one of the most successful globally, having won the World Cup on at least two occasions (1978 and 1986). They have also been runners-up on three occasions (1930, 1990, and 2014).

Argentina is known for producing some of the world’s best soccer players, past and present. Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Gabriel Batistuta are just some of the Argentines who have graced the world stage.

If you want to experience Argentinian soccer culture, then you need to attend a match. The atmosphere is electric, and the fans are some of the most passionate you will ever encounter. Just be prepared to make some noise!

Tango

Argentina is known for its love for Tango. It is a style of music and dance believed to have originated in the slums of Buenos Aires at the end of the 19th century. Some reckon the word “tango” come from the Spanish verb tango, which means to touch or feel.

Tango is a very sensual dance that is usually performed by a man and a woman. The man leads the woman, moving around the dance floor together. The dancers must have a good sense of rhythm and timing.

Tango is often seen as a symbol of Argentina. There are many tango clubs or milonga in Buenos Aires where you can watch or learn how to dance. It is a very popular form of music and dance that is enjoyed by people all over the world.

FAMOUS PEOPLE FROM ARGENTINA

Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona is one of the most famous Argentines in the world. He is a retired professional footballer who played for clubs in Argentina, Italy, and Spain.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is a professional footballer who mainly played for the Spanish club Barcelona and Argentina national team. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest footballers of all time.

famous food of Argentina

Wine

“That’s what they do in Argentina. Have a little wine and talk. Then have some coffee and talk. Then, go back to the wine.” Grace Jones’s statement manages to sum up what spare time means in Argentina: socializing, chatting, and drinking wine.

Argentina is the fifth biggest wine producer in the world, but 90% of its production never leaves the country! Wine tours, wine tastings, wine for a date, wine for meeting up with a friend, wine for staying home watching Netflix, wine for… why not? You get the point: it’s the most popular alcoholic beverage in the country, by far.

Argentinian wine is especially well-known for its signature Malbec grape; you should definitely give it a go next time you’re out for a nice dinner.

Empanadas

Empanadas are mouthwatering turnovers that can be deep-fried or baked. Though more or less common across the region, they have achieved cult status in Argentina. Cheese+ham and cheese+onions are common fillings, or, as with juicy empanadas tucumanas, hand-cut (not minced!) beef+boiled eggs.

Choripán

Argentinians make their classic hot dog with chorizo, a kind of smoked sausage, and top it with chimichurri, a delicious herb-based sauce. It’s perfect as an on-the-go snack. Choripán vendors dot busier areas of town and fill the air with the irresistible smell of their sandwiches.

Milanesa + mashed potatoes

If this combo screams comfort food, it’s because that’s exactly what it is. Breaded and deep-fried steak (or chicken breast) paired with creamy mashed potatoes is the main staple on tables throughout Argentina. It’s of course one of countless legacies of Italian immigration in the country.

Alfajores

Alfajores are hugely popular across Hispanic South America, but they’re definitely not as decadent as in Argentina. Elsewhere, the delicacy consists of a soft sandwich cookie (usually) filled with dulce de leche. Meanwhile, in Argentina, alfajores are typically coated with chocolate. What’s more, you can find them at every single corner store. Yum!