Festivals and Holidays in Argentina

Argentina has several national holidays and festivals which are celebrated throughout the year. Argentine traditions have been handed down from one generation to the next and are defined differently in each region. Since 90% of the country’s population is Roman Catholic, a lot of Argentina’s public holidays are built around the church’s religious holiday. If you’re planning on visiting Argentina then it’s essential for you know about the country’s various festivals and holiday celebrations during the year so you can enjoy some of their fun and entertainment.

New Year’s Day

Ano Nuevo or New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1st. The celebration normally includes a late dinner with the family and fireworks at midnight. Some Argentinians run around their houses with a suitcase, because accoridng to traditions they will travel more in the coming year.

National Festival of Folklore

Each year in January people from all over the world come to Cosquín in the central province of Córdoba to celebrate folk traditions at the National Festival of Folklore.

El Carnaval del Pais

Two weeks before Lent during either the month of March or April, the traditional El Carnaval del Pais is celebrated. El Carnaval is one of the largest celebrations throughout Argentina and has almost the same traditions as Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnivale in Venice. The Carnival celebration is held in the town of Gualeguaychu in Entre Rios province which is located halfway between Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls. The Argentine carnival tradition is very lively and vibrant and there are colorful displays of costumes. In the city of Buenos Aires, each region celebrates with song, dance, street musicians, and artists.

Las Pascuas

In Easter, Las Pascuas is celebrated from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday. This week is known as Semana Santa (Holy Week) in the country. Las Pascuas is celebrated over a two week period which involves the full reenactment of the Passion of Christ in several villages throughout the country.

Dia de las Malvinas

Dia de las Malvinas or Malvinas Day is a public holiday in Argentina and the officially the Day of the War Veteran and the Fallen in the Malvinas War. Malvinas Day is celebrated each year on April 2 and marks the day in 1982 when Argentina’s military invaded the Falkland Islands to reclaim it from the British.

Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente

Buenos Aires Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente is an international festival of independent films that is held annually during the month of April, in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires.

Dia de los Trabajadores

Dia de los Trabajadores or Labor Day is a national Argentine holiday celebrated on May 1st.

May Revolution

The May Revolution of 1810 also celebrated as National Day is the anniversary of Argentina’s the first national government on getting their independence from Spain. National Day is celebrated with parades, music and traditional foods within each region and the festivities are brought to an end with the singing of the National Anthem.

Flag Day

Dia de la Bandera or Flag Day on June 20th is an observance of Argentina’s National Flag. This day is also the anniversary of the death of Manuel Belgrano, the man who created the country’s current flag

Independence Day

Argentina’s Dia de la Independencia or Independence Day is celebrated on July 9th. This day is a national holiday and celebrates the signing of the declaration that gave Argentina independence from Spain.

Dia de San Martin

August 17th is celebrated as Dia de San Martin or the Anniversary of San Martin’s Death. General Jose de San Martin was one of the main liberators of Argentina.

Day of the Race

October 12th in Argentina is celebrated as Dia de la Raza or Day of the Race this date is also celebrated as Columbus Day in America. This holiday celebrates Christopher Columbus’ race to bring civilization to the Americas.

Navidad

On December 25th Argentina’s embrace the traditions of Navidad, or Christmas Day. Although their Christmas occurs in summer, Argentina still enjoy the traditional Christian holiday.