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People and Popular Culture of Argentina

População Argentine / Población Argentina / Argentina Culture

Argentina is a country made up of very different cultures, which has largely resulted from successive waves of immigration. Nonetheless, Argentines share strong habits and hobbies that bring them together and contribute to shape the country’s national identity. Explore below some major aspects of Argentina’s people and popular culture:


Demographics of Argentina

Population

Argentina’s population was estimated at roughly 43 million inhabitants in 2015, over 30% of which lives in the Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area. Such concentration contrasts with vast areas of the country that remain sparsely populated, especially the southern region of Patagonia.

Ethnic Groups

The origin of Argentina’s population is strongly connected to the many immigration waves coming from Europe that massively settled in the country between 1860 and 1955. The great influx of foreigners, mostly Italians, Spaniards and Germans, added up to the then modest local population composed of native indigenous people, African slaves and Spanish settlers.

Since the middle of the 20th century, Argentina’s ethnic composition has been primarily influenced by immigrants from bordering countries such as Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile and Peru and, to a lesser extent, by Asian immigration waves, notably from China and South Korea.

The term “crisol de razas”, or “melting pot”, is typically used to highlight Argentina’s diversity and harmonious coexistence among the different cultures.

Religion

There is ample freedom of belief in Argentina, which is guaranteed as a right by the National Constitution. However, there is no accurate data on the population’s religion preferences since this item is not included in the national census. In any case, it is estimated that around 92% of the population has been baptized in the Roman Catholic church, whereas 2% are estimated to be Protestants, 2% Jewish and 4% belonging to other religious groups.

The election of Pope Francis as the first non-European pope in March 2013 renewed the faith of Catholics worldwide and had a huge repercussion in Argentina, home country of the then cardinal Jorge Bergoglio.

It is also interesting to note that Argentina’s Jewish community is the largest in Latin America (almost double the size of Brazil’s) and the 7th largest globally, after Israel, US, France, Canada, England and Russia.

Quality of Life

Argentina’s standard of living has been traditionally considered one of the best among Latin American countries. Although some indicators have deteriorated over the past few decades, it continues to boast one of the lowest illiteracy rates (1.9% in 2010) and infant mortality rates (10.6 per 1,000 in 2014) in the region, as well as a high life expectancy rate (76.3 years on average in 2015), among other favorable indicators.


Sports in Argentina

Soccer or football (“fútbol”) is undoubtedly the most popular sport in Argentina and also arouses the greatest passions. The two main teams are the archenemies Boca Juniors and River Plate, protagonists of the Buenos Aires “superclásico” match. Other major football clubs include Vélez, Racing, San Lorenzo, Independiente, Banfield, Estudiantes and Rosario Central. Impressively enough, Argentina has produced two of the greatest football players of all time – Diego Maradona in the 80’s and 90’s and Lionel Messi nowadays. In terms of titles, Argentina is a two-time champion of FIFA’s World Cup (Argentina 1978 and Mexico 1986) and a two-time Olympic gold medal winner (Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008).

Tennis is another sport that Argentines have traditionally mastered, although its local influence is more limited compared to soccer. Guillermo Vilas and Gabriela Sabatini are the classic champions, while in recent years the list of top tennis players has included Juan Martín Del Potro (led Argentina to its first Davis Cup title in 2016), Juan “Pico” Mónaco, David Nalbandian, among several others.

Argentines also do well in a number of sports considered more upper-class, especially in polo (“Ellerstina” and “La Dofina” teams, global predominance), rugby (“Los Pumas”, world’s top 10) and women’s field hockey (“Las Leonas”, two-time world champions).

It’s also worth mentioning that basketball has attracted greater interest lately thanks to the brilliant performance shown by NBA champion Manu Ginobili. Another popular sport is car racing, in part thanks to the legacy of “el maestro” Juan Manuel Fangio, the world’s first five-time F1 champion.


Food Culture of Argentina

Traditional food
BeefCarne argentina / Argentina CultureBeef is, par excellence, the base of Argentine’s diet. Throwing a barbecue (asado) is a must when family or friends get together. Apart from the steak, it’s common to grill sausages (chorizo, salchicha, morcilla), sweetbreads (molleja) and small intestines (chinchulines) – the famous parillada. In turn, milanesas (breaded meat fillets) are the ideal day-to-day dish.
PastaPasta argentina / Argentina CultureItalian pasta is as widespread as meat in Argentina. The preferred varieties include spaghettis (fideos), gnocchis (ñoquis), and filled pasta such as raviolis and lasagnas. Argentine pizza is another local pride, known for its thick dough and abundant cheese. It’s commonly served with a slice of fainá, which is similar to a dry piece of baked polenta.
Criolla foodEmpanadas argentinas / Argentina CultureTraditional Argentine food is called criolla and is popularly represented by the empanadas – tasty, salty pastries that can be filled with meat, chicken, ham and cheese, among others. The regional cuisine also offers dishes such as matambre (rolled stuffed steak cut in slices and served cold), locro and carbonada (meat and vegetable stews).
Traditional beverages AND drinks
WineVinho argentino / Argentina CultureWhen it comes to beverages, wines (vinos) in Argentina are a real popular choice. Options range from budget versions that come in Tetra Brick packaging to the most exquisite selections that have placed Argentina as a globally renowned wine producer. Malbec, the country’s signature red wine variety, is often praised for its delicious taste and excellent value.
FernetFernet Branca con Coca-Cola / Argentina CultureIn spite of its Italian origin and of being traditionally associated to Argentina’s Cordoba province, fernet is one of the favorite drinks all across the nation. In its pure form fernet is like a naturally bitter syrup, although the Argentine drink will always combine it with Coke and ice. Fernet Branca is the most famous brand as they claim to have the original Italian recipe.
MateChimarrão argentino / Argentina CultureMate is Argentina’s famous infusion, more of a way of socializing than a plain beverage. It’s typically prepared by filling 2/3 of a gourd (also called mate) with the leaves of the yerba plant (available in every market), putting a silver straw on it (bombilla) and then pouring hot water. Some people also prefer to add some sugar.
traditional desserts and pastries
Ice creamSorvete argentino / Argentina CultureIce cream (helado) is Argentine’s number one dessert and a key part of the local food culture. Everyone has an opinion on which is the best heladería in town, as many parlors keep their own artisanal recipes. You can’t go wrong trying a cup or cone (cucurucho), which will be even more authentic if it includes some scoops of dulce de leche or sambayón.
AlfajorAlfajor argentino / Argentina CultureAlfajor is a traditional and very popular sweet-layered pastry, with a shape that reminds a yo-yo. It’s commonly filled with dulce de leche or a fruit paste and coated with dark or white chocolate. The most famous (and expensive) alfajor brand is Havanna, but local kiosks sell a wide variety of delicious alternatives.
FacturasFacturas argentinas, medialunas / Argentina CultureFor breakfast (desayuno) or a late afternoon snack (merienda), Argentines enjoy eating facturas, a generic term encompassing croissants (medialunas), churros, and a variety of other fresh pastries coming right out of your closest bakery (panadería). Some are filled with dulce de leche, pastry cream or fruit paste, while others are drizzled with chocolate.

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