SOUTH AMERICA’S SECOND LARGEST COUNTRY: ARGENTINA
Argentina, which is the second largest country in South America and the eighth largest country in the world with a surface area of approximately 2,700,000, has a population of around 45 million. Spanish is the official and most common language of Argentina today, due to the colonial occupation of Spain in the past. Its unique culture, food, dances, large forests and glaciers in the south poles, natural beauties, lively cities and deep-rooted football culture are among the main features that make Argentina interesting today. The features of this exotic country on the other side of the world in detail under the headings.
COMMON FAITH AND LIFESTYLE IN ARGENTINA
Argentina has no official religion. Most of the population is Catholic Christians. The origin of the country, which is mostly made up of immigrants, is Spanish and Italian. For this reason, you will often see Italian and Spanish architectures while walking on the streets. You can even feel like you are walking on the streets of Barcelona at some points. Argentines have characteristics similar to Spaniards not only in architecture but also in food and daily life. For example, like the Spaniards, the Argentines have an after-lunch nap time, which they call ‘Siesta’. Argentines, who prefer to eat four meals a day, pass breakfast with light snacks and have a tea time called ‘Merianda’ between lunch and dinner. They consume the last meal of the day before going to bed late.
ARGENTINA FESTIVALS
Argentines have characteristics similar to Spaniards not only in architecture but also in food and daily life. For example, like the Spaniards, the Argentines have an after-lunch nap time, which they call ‘Siesta’. Argentines, who prefer to eat four meals a day, pass breakfast with light snacks and have a tea time called ‘Merianda’ between lunch and dinner. They consume the last meal of the day before going to bed late.
- Tango Festival
It is held in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. In August, tango music is played in many local cafes and restaurants. During the opening ceremony held in the first week, dance lessons, special shows, music and film screenings are held. In the following weeks of the festival, a dance competition is held in which the World Tango Champion is determined.
- Buenos Aires Jazz Festival
The inspiration of the festival, in which many local and national artists participated, was the live music feasts after dinner in cafes and restaurants. If you want to enjoy many kinds of jazz music, try to arrange your flight ticket to Argentina for November. Because the festival, which consists of this music feast, is held every year in November.
- Gualeguaychu Festival
Although the Gualeguaychu Festival, which is similar to Brazil’s Rio Carnival, is held all over the country, the most magnificent one is held in the city of Gualeguaychu, from which it is named. Local people spend a lot of time and effort for this festival. Local dance and music, special costume parades and special events form the theme of this festival.
SIGHTSEEING PLACES IN ARGENTINA
- Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, means ‘Good Weather’. You can observe the traces of Spanish and Italian architectures while walking around its streets.
Apart from its architecture, its football culture, famous Latin tango and fun lifestyle make Buenos Aires one of the most popular Argentine cities for tourists
- La Boca
We especially recommend football fans to go to the district called La Boca in Buenos Aires. In this region, which is also the home of the Boca Juniors football team, the giant figures and statues of world-famous Argentine footballers such as Maradona and Messi, and the atmosphere of the colorful houses identified with La Boca will take you to different lands.
- Perito Moreno Glacier (El Calafate)
Perito Moreno Glacier, also called the ‘end of the world’, has borders to 3 different countries. It is highly recommend that you to visit these giant glaciers, which are 60 meters high and approximately 370 km long.
- Iguaçu Waterfalls
Iguaçu Falls, located between Brazil and Argentina, consists of 275 waterfalls in total. These world-famous waterfalls are perhaps the most magical natural wonders to visit in Argentina. We recommend you to go in March and April and to check the weather conditions before you go. You will get the best experience and unique view in sunny weather.
- Cordoba
If you want to have some fun in a central city after the wonders of nature, one of the addresses you will go to is the city of Cordoba. In this city where university students are concentrated, you will find many locations in the city of Cordoba where you can socialize with culture, art, museums and local and foreign people.
ARGENTINA CUISINE
Argentina is a country famous for its delicious meat. Ovine and cattle breeding, fed with natural foods in a natural environment, is the main factor in the deliciousness of these meats. In addition to the taste of the meat itself, Argentinean cooking methods add more flavor to these meats. Let’s have a look them.
- Parilla
Parilla, one of the most popular dishes in Argentina, is served by grilling the most delicious parts of beef.
- Empanada
Argentines’ small pies are one of their favorite snacks. However, when you think of pie, don’t think of dessert. Because these little doughs are full of meat and vegetables.
- Choripan
It is a delicious Argentinian sandwich that you can find especially in street vendors around the stadium. Our sausage is like bread. You should definitely ask the seller about the content of the meat before you eat this delicacy, which consists of sausages called Chorizo, kept in a special spice that comes out of the sandwich bread, and a salad. Because in some places, this sausage may be made from pork, not veal.
- Tamale
This Argentinian delicacy, which sounds interesting on the outside, consists of delicious meats, onions and spices. The outer material is corncob. Yes, the corncob you know.
- Dulce de Leche (Süt Reçeli)
This is a type of sweet sauce that is caramelized for a long time in a creamy consistency. Argentines put this traditional sauce in almost all their desserts. If you see a brown sauce squirting from cakes, cookies, and any dessert you can think of, it’s probably called Dulce de Leche.
WHEN AND HOW TO GET TO ARGENTINA?
It is possible to travel to this exotic country of South America for 90 days without a visa. However, a long journey awaits you with high airfares and connecting flights for Argentina. While it is winter in Turkiye, it is summer in Argentina. For this reason, if you want to get away from the cold and explore a warm country, it is the best time for you to visit Argentina between December and January.
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT ARGENTINA
- Argentina local time in UTC-3 time zone is 6 hours behind Turkiye.
- As it is known, the people of Argentina are very fond of football. This success of Argentina, which managed to take home the 2022 World Cup by winning against France in Qatar, is of course not a coincidence. With world-renowned talented football players, passionate fans and a long history of football, Argentina managed to win the World Cup again after 1986. While Maradona was in the lead role of this success in 1986, there is Lionel Messi in 2022. It seems that Argentines will continue to cultivate world talents and make a name for themselves with football all over the world.
- There are many reasons to visit Argentina. Although it is not possible to describe all of them in one article, let’s list some items for you:
- Unique Italian and Spanish architecture,
- Streets with a deep-rooted football history and culture, home to world-famous football players such as Lionel Messi, Diego Armando Maradona, Sergio Aguero,
- Many unique natural wonders,
- Historical museums,
- Traditional and modern festivals,
- World famous Tango and dance culture,
- Unique Argentinian meat and other delicious dishes.
A GUIDE FOR ARGENTINES WANTING TO EXPLORE Turkiye
While it is winter in Argentina, it is summer in Turkiye. If you want to spend a warm and enjoyable holiday, June-September will be the right time for you.
Start discovering the unique shores of the Mediterranean in Turkiye from Muğla/Fethiye;
