Marriage and Family

Most couples marry in their 20s, after dating for a number of years. Weddings are usually very elaborate, involving both a civil and a church ceremony, and a large reception with dinner and dancing. Gifts are not brought to the reception but are purchased at and delivered by a gift shop where the couple has registered.

The nuclear family predominates in Argentina. Grown children commonly live in the same city or town as their parents. Responsibility for raising children falls mostly on women, who exert great influence on family decisions. An increasing number of women are working outside the home. Divorce has steadily increased since it was legalized in 1987.

Eating

Argentines eat more beef per capita than any other people in the world. Because Argentina is a major beef producer, domestic prices are low enough for most people to eat beef every day, and many people entertain on weekends with an asado, or barbecue. Popular foods include empanadas, which are pies made with meat or vegetables; and milanesas, or breaded veal cutlets. A preferred winter stew is locro, made of meat, maize, and potatoes. The government and health officials are encouraging lower beef consumption for health reasons. Dulce de leche is caramelized milk, an Argentine specialty and popular sweet. Maté is a popular hot drink, similar to tea. Italian and French foods are widely available.

Traditionally the main meal is in the middle of the day, but many of those who work in cities now have it in the evening, usually after 9 pm. Argentine eating habits and table manners have been influenced by European customs. People hold their forks with the left hand. Eating in the street or on public transportation is considered inappropriate.

Socializing

When being introduced, it is customary to address people by a title such as Señor (“Mr.”) or Señora (“Mrs.”), and people may shake hands. A brief embrace with a kiss on the cheek is a common greeting between women or between a man and woman who are well acquainted. The Spanish ¡Buenos días! (“Good morning”— ¡Buen día! in Buenos Aires) or ¡Buenas tardes! (“Good afternoon”) are appropriate terms when passing on the street or greeting friends and acquaintances. Chau and hasta luego are common phrases for goodbye. When approaching officials for information, one should always greet them before asking any questions. Eye contact is considered important, and it is not unusual for Argentines to touch each other or stand close in conversation.

Argentines often visit friends and relatives without prior arrangement. People enjoy having guests in the home and usually offer them refreshments such as espresso-style coffee, tea, or maté. Drinking maté is an important cultural tradition, and is surrounded by a number of informal rituals—for example, the container it is served from is passed around from person to person. There is a relaxed attitude toward punctuality and even if guests arrive as much as an hour after the stated time, it is unlikely to cause offense.

Recreation

Soccer is the national sport and is enjoyed by children and adults alike. Other popular sports include rugby, tennis, and golf. Field hockey is popular among women. The Teatro Colón, a fine opera house, is located in Buenos Aires, as are many late-night theaters, restaurants, and clubs. Dancing at clubs is popular among young people on weekends, and enthusiasts stay out late into the night.

Holidays and Celebrations

Holidays in Argentina are generally opportunities to gather with one’s family. New Year’s Day is celebrated on 1 January with fireworks. Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, celebrates Jesus Christ’s Last Supper commandment to love one another—“maundy” is derived from “mandate.” Maundy Thursday also commemorates the institution of the Eucharist. Argentines also celebrate Good Friday (the Friday preceding Easter), and Easter Sunday.

Malvinas Day, on 2 April, commemorates the failed Argentine attempt to recover the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) from British rule. This brief war was fought in 1982. Labor Day is observed on 1 May. Argentina declared its independence from a Spanish colonial viceroyalty on 25 May 1810, but did not declare independence from Spain itself until 9 July 1816. These two dates are now celebrated as National Day and Independence Day, respectively. Flag Day is observed on 20 June.

The death of General José de San Martín, known as “the Liberator” of Peru, Chile, and Argentina for his defeat of the Spanish, is remembered on 17 August. Columbus’s “discovery” of America is celebrated on 12 October.

The Immaculate Conception (8 December) celebrates the Roman Catholic belief that Mary’s soul was preserved free from original sin, and, finally, Argentines celebrate Christmas Day on 25 December with fireworks, among other festivities.

Girls have a special celebration for their 15th birthday, or cumpleaños de quince, which is said to signify their entrance into adulthood. The celebration is known as the quinceañero.

Source: Encarta Interactive World Atlas

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