Good morning/afternoon!

My name is Bryan Zuñiga and today I am going to present my project on ARGENTINE culture
and the importance of knowing and appreciating cultural diversity.
Argentina is a fascinating country with a rich and diverse culture, deeply rooted in history and
tradition.

Culture

Argentine culture is full of rich traditions, customs, and practices that reflect the country's
diverse history and influences.

Tango: Is a world-famous dance and music genre that originated in the working-class
neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century. It combines African, Indigenous, and
European influences and is deeply connected to Argentine identity.

Asado: This traditional barbecue is a custom in many Argentine homes. Meat is grilled over an
open flame, often with friends and family coming together to share in the feast.

Argentine Festivals

Argentina's festivals are vibrant celebrations filled with music, dance, food and traditions that
showcase the country's rich cultural heritage.

The Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia is one of Argentina's most important and spectacular
festivals, celebrating the annual grape harvest. It takes place in Mendoza, the heart of
Argentina’s wine country, where the entire region comes together to celebrate the grape
harvest and the beginning of the wine-making season.

Argentina’s Carnaval is a lively celebration that marks the days leading up to Lent in the
Christian calendar. It’s a mix of music, dance, parades, costumes, and traditional customs,
much like other Latin American carnivals.

The Feria de Mataderos is a traditional fair that celebrates Argentine rural culture and
traditions, with a focus on gaucho (Argentine cowboy) life. Located in the Mataderos district of
Buenos Aires, the fair brings together food, music, dance, crafts, and traditional Argentine
activities in a lively outdoor setting.

Sports in Argentina

Sports play a huge role in Argentine culture, and the country has a strong sporting tradition,
especially when it comes to football (soccer), but also in a range of other sports. Here are some
of the most important and popular sports in Argentina:

Football is by far the most popular and beloved sport in Argentina. The country has a long
history of success on the international stage, with legendary players like Diego Maradona and
Lionel Messi being national heroes.

Rugby is the second most popular team sport in Argentina, and the country has a strong
national team, Los Pumas, which competes in the international Rugby World Cup and the
annual The Rugby Championship against teams like New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia.

Basketball has seen significant growth in Argentina, especially after the national team’s success
in international competitions. Argentina's national basketball team, La Generación Dorada (The
Golden Generation), won the 2004 Olympic Gold Medal and the 2019 FIBA World Cup,
cementing its place among the top basketball teams in the world.

FOOD

Argentine cuisine is heavily influenced by Italian and Spanish immigrants but also has
indigenous influences.

Asado

This is more than just a meal; it’s a social event. Large cuts of beef, pork, and sausages are
grilled over an open flame or on a parrilla (a type of grill), and it's often served with chimichurri
sauce.

Empanadas: These are stuffed pastry pockets filled with a variety of fillings, like minced meat,
cheese, or vegetables. They're popular as snacks or appetizers.

Dulce de leche: A sweet treat made from caramelized milk, often used as a filling in pastries,
cakes, and even spread on toast. It's beloved throughout Argentina.

Pizza and Pasta: Due to the Italian influence, pizza and pasta are staples in Argentine cuisine.
The pizza here is often served with a thick crust and lots of cheese.

Alfajores: These are delicious cookies filled with dulce de leche and often coated in chocolate
or powdered sugar. They're a popular treat in Argentina.

Mate: Drinking mate (a type of herbal tea made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant) is a
key social custom in Argentina. It’s often shared among friends or family, and it's a sign of
hospitality and friendship.

Jaguar

The jaguar is one of South America's most iconic and powerful predators. It lives primarily in
tropical rainforests and is known for its solitary nature and powerful build. Though their
populations have been reduced, efforts are being made to conserve these magnificent big cats.

Guanaco

The guanaco is a wild relative of the llama, and it roams the arid Patagonian landscapes. It is a
social animal and is well adapted to the harsh environment, with a thick coat that insulates it
from the cold. Guanacos are also important to local indigenous cultures.

Magellanic Penguin
These small penguins are famous for their black and white markings. They are a migratory
species that come to Argentina’s southern coasts to breed and are often seen in large colonies
along the shore.
Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Capybara)

The capybara is the world’s largest rodent, known for its semi-aquatic lifestyle. It lives in large
groups and is highly social. Capybaras are often seen around bodies of water in the humid
regions of Argentina.