History Lesson

In a city so rich with culture and traditions, of course comes much history behind it all. I am so lucky to be apart of this growing city, full of new modern architecture and influence, but also embedded deep with history. Just by walking through the city you can see the stories of the past with the monuments and statues and old buildings.

One of these being one of the most important, and most popular, the Casa Rosada or the Pink House. It is the office of Argentina President, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. The Casa Rosada is in the Plaza de Mayo, which houses many political buildings. The building was painted pink after Dominigo Sarmiento, sought to defuse political tensions by mixing the red and white colors of the country's opposing political parties. Red for the Federalists and white for the Unitarians. The unique house is a popular tourist spot, and where you can find the Madres de Plaza de Mayo still marching for their lost sons and daughters. The Mothers' association was formed by women who had met each other when trying to find their missing sons and daughters, who were abducted by agents of the Argentine government during the years known as the Dirty War from 1976 to 1983.

Around this time, Argentina was battling with Britain over the Las Islas Malvinas or the Falkland Islands. In 1982 Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands. This precipitated the two-month-long undeclared Falkland War between Argentina and the United Kingdom and resulted in the defeat and withdrawal of the Argentine forces. Today, the great Falkland Islands War Memorial stands near the Plaza de Mayo to honor the many lives lost during the war. In this area you can find many true portenos selling their goods on the streets at the markets.

Also rooted deep in South American history is the gauchos, similar to that of our Western cowboys. Gauchos live on the outside of the growing urban centers and farming settlements, these skilled riders lived from the native cattle. They made up the majority of the rural population, herding cattle on the vas estancias, and practicing hunting as their main economic activity. Like the North American cowboys, gauchos were generally known to be strong, honest, silent types, but proud and capable of violence when provoked. Gauchos' use of the famous "facón" or large knife is legendary. Historically, the facón was typically the only eating instrument that a gaucho carried. The gaucho diet was composed almost entirely of beef while on the range, supplemented by yerba mate, an herbal tea-like drink rich in caffeine and nutrients. A true Argentine carries a mate gourd, a bombilla, and thermos of hot water with them where ever they go. History says the Goddesses of the Moon and the Cloud came to the Earth one day to visit it but they instead found a jaguar that was going to attack them. An old man saved them, and, in compensation, the Goddesses gave the old man a new kind of plant, from which he could prepare a “drink of friendship.”

Much history and stories makes up this city, which makes it such a learning experience to come across these great tales and be a part of the culture here in Buenos Aires.