Bonaire's traditional salt industry has been revived on a 9,000 acre (36 sq km) salt farm where salt is stored in shimmering pyramids.
Argentina is a land of shared habits and on the Day of Tradition we list the most recognized throughout the territory. One custom, one region.Here is a catalog for you to keep and know which destinations to visit in your next adventure in the southern country:
Doctrine or custom preserved in a village by transmission from parents to children. This is how the RAE defines the concept of tradition. Let's pretend, then, that our country is a big family. And each member of this family nucleus keeps a millenary treasure that echoes years and years of history. This is how traditions are formed and the country of the End of the World hides a candombe that celebrates mate, passion, music, gauchos, the countryside and soccer. To set foot in our nation is, undoubtedly, to visit a universe of inexhaustible legacies.
Now, why do we celebrate our heritage on November 10? Simply because on a day like today, back in 1834, José Hernández was born. For those who do not know him, he is the famous author of the poem "El Gaucho Martín Fierro". Nothing more and nothing less than the literary classic that portrays the adventures of Fierro, a typical country man of the Pampa region. It tells of his journeys, his lifestyle, his code of honor, and - of course - his traditions. For many, it is the perfect snapshot of 19th century Argentine society. For that reason, he deserves his day to celebrate. To him, to the wonderful picture of our culture and to each of our unmistakable habits.
And although the Day of Tradition celebrates precisely the most gaucho habits, there are several customs that left their mark on Argentines, regardless of the day of the year. That is why below we leave a record of the most acclaimed and some - of several - destinations where to discover them:
Is there anything more Argentine than the tango and soccer duo? The answer will not surprise you. The fact is that the rhythm of the 2x4 has been playing since the 19th century and has never been silenced. It is not a dance; it is an emblem. It was born in the Río de la Plata and managed to imprint itself in each of the hearts of porteños (and travelers). For that reason, there are no spaces that escape its melodies: in squares, on the sidewalks of San Telmo, in the streets of the neighborhood and in the theaters of the capital.
The same thing happens with soccer. It does not need to be a professional match to move its participants and attendees to tears. From big national team matches, to national clubs and neighborhood picaditos, sports passion in Argentina is lived to the fullest. There is no shortage of icons: with Maradona and Messi in the lead, anyone can get excited. Buenos Aires knows this, and has built many stadiums - such as the Bombonera in La Boca - that today are a kind of monument to soccer frenzy.
The drinking of mate, the jineteadas, the bonfires, the barbecue, the grocery stores and the improvised songs of the payadas. The gauchos, as told in the Martín Fierro, are expert connoisseurs of their homeland. Archetypes of Argentine culture. Riders inseparable from their horses. They were and still are the graphic representation of the most Argentine traditions of all. They defined the customs that today identify us as a people and to visit the province of La Pampa is to go through their historical evidence.
To wit: far from Patagonia, in San Antonio de Areco (Buenos Aires), the Tradition Fesival is celebrated every year, which also celebrates the splendor of the gaucho and Creole culture.
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A kettle, hot water and yerba. Mate for some, the recipe for happiness for others. Its origin goes back to the Guarani people of the Litoral area, so it is not surprising that from Misiones to Corrientes there is a 1200 km route perfect for celebrating the matera culture: the Yerba Mate Route. More than 200 thematic enterprises of the national crop are part of this unique circuit in the world.
Beyond the official birthplace, today mate is deeply rooted in the people of the blue and white. So much so that all regions are witnesses to the success of the infusion, regardless of the corner of the country visited.
When it comes to horses, Cordoba will always be present. Its renowned sierras are the ideal scenery for horseback riding amidst dreamlike postcards. Now, as far as tradition is concerned, the land of the Fernet drink and the rhythm of the cuarteto has its own festival to celebrate: the National Festival of Dressage and Folklore. There are 12 days with live music, horsemanship championships, parades and demonstrations of gaucho skills.
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It is true that empanadas have their recipes in several provinces of the country, not only in the North. But it is also true that the northern delicacies have become famous inside and outside Argentina. What are they? A kind of individual savory pie with different fillings. The most traditional: knife-cut meat. Fried or baked, there are never wrong answers.
Now, if we talk about dances, tango is not the only Argentinean exponent. On the contrary, folklore has made entire peoples dance. It is a rhythm that - just like the empanada - has different interpretations throughout the territory. But in Salta and Jujuy, the Carnavalito is danced and awakens joy in all those who dare to dance to it or are lucky enough to see it live. That is why the Humahuaca Carnival in Jujuy gathers this rhythm and several other adaptations, to celebrate the Pachamama among colors, traditions and chants.
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Gastronomic traditions weigh heavily in Argentina. And accompanying gourmet delicacies with wine tasting doubles all bets. Fortunately, the national territory knows a lot about wine. So it is no coincidence that, over the years, wine has also become part of the cultural legacy.
What a beauty to have a glass of wine surrounded by the Andes Mountains, isn't it? Of course it is. And for that, the right place is Mendoza. Owner, also, of the three times consecrated best winery in the world: Piedra Infinita, Zuccardi. A very tempting statistic. The favorite grape variety is Malbec and the custom is to pair it with red meats. Are you tempted yet?
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Bonaire's traditional salt industry has been revived on a 9,000 acre (36 sq km) salt farm where salt is stored in shimmering pyramids.
