La Argentina

1. La Argentina La gente y su cultura

2. La independencia • Argentina gained independence from Spain on July 9th, 1816. • This is celebrated similarly to ours with parades, speeches and a day off from school.

3. El tango • Argentina is known throughout the world as the birthplace of the tango. In Buenos Aires, it is considered an art and performed in many tango salons and even on the streets especially in the area of La Boca.

4. Los gauchos • The gaucho way of life is still visible in the working estancias. These are working ranches that offer a day out of the city for tourists. They serve up a great meal and offer horseback riding and other entertainment.

5. La carne y el vino • Argentina is one of the world’s largest beef producers. Anywhere you go, you can get a great meal…sorry vegetarianos! • The wine industry is becoming more well-known throughout the world as well. Most of the wine comes from the central valley of Mendoza.

6. Las cataratas de Iguazú • Iguazú Falls are the largest in the world. They produce enough hydroelectric power to serve the three communities surrounding them in Argentina, Brasil and Paraguay.

7. The Northwest Region • The indigenous influence in Argentina is most prevalent in the northwest area of Cafayate and Purmamarca. You can still find the pucaras, usually by locating a large amount of cacti.

8. Cacti • Notice how tall the cactus is compared to humans. This cactus is so old, that some of it has become petrified. The ancient peoples used it as beams in their homes. The people still use it today for baskets, frames and other things.

9. Geografía • This region is also very similar to the foothills of Colorado. Notice the red rock formations. What does that remind you of?

10. La comida • The most typical food of Argentina aside from meat are empanadas and alfajores.Empanadas are pastries filled with different types of meats and veggies; Alfajores are filled with dulce de leche or fruit fillings. Each region in Argentina has their own empanadas and alfajores.