Argentina's cultural roots are varied as the country's geography and mix of ethnic groups. Modern Argentine culture has been largely influenced by European immigration although there are also some Amerindian and African influences, particularly in the fields of music and art.
The best-known element of Argentine culture is the tango dance. In modern Argentina, tango music is enjoyed in its own right. Tango for Argentines refers to both the music and the lyrics which are a form of poetry.
Argentine painters and sculptors have a rich history dating from both before and since the development of modern Argentina in the second half of the 19th century.
Many Argentines are involved in sports. Soccer is more of a national obsession than a game. Argentina won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986 and the gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics for men's soccer, and the exploits of Diego Maradona. The official national sport of Argentina, though rarely played, is the polo-like pato. Pato literally translates to duck.
Argentina's official language is Spanish, variations of Spanish in Argentina and every province has its own accent. There are about 23 native languages spoken in different parts of the country. Most Argentines can understand simple spoken Italian and Portuguese, due to their similarity to Spanish.
Argentine cuisine is typically European. Due to the heavy influence of Italian, Spanish, French and other European cuisines the typical Argentine diet is a variation the Mediterranean diet. Well known for its asado or grilled beef where meat, including entrails, is placed on a grill and barbecued over charcoal fire. Traditional foods of the provinces such as locro hark back to the pre-Columbian period, in many places, locro is traditionally consumed only on national patriotic holidays. |
Argentina