Tango Buenos Aires

The Tango Festival is an event that takes place in Argentina every year around August.

This year, Tango Buenos Aires will take place between the 13th and 31st of August 2010, announces the dates for the qualifying rounds, semifinals and finals of the Dance World Cup in the categories “Salon Tango” and “Stage Tango”. The qualifying rounds will take place at La Trastienda club, located in San Telmo neighbourhood. The category Salon Tango will be carried out on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th, and the category Stage Tango on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th. The Semifinals will take place at Teatro Coliseo –Barrio Norte neighbourhood- on Saturday 28th, beginning with “Salon Tango” and following with “Stage Tango”. The final rounds -at the Luna Park Stadium’s big stage – will take place on Monday 30th (Salon) and Tuesday 31st (Stage).

What is the Tango Festival?

The tango festival is a celebration of that genre in its different aspects: the fostering of stylistic diversity and culture consumption; the recovery and the revalue of artistic and cultural heritage; and the promotion of creative industries of the field.

This festival is full of different things to do:  seminars, shows to watch and dance lessons to attend to and the great annual challenge: the best dancers contest in Buenos Aires for the world title in the categories of Salon Tango and Stage Tango. Hundreds of couples, from Argentina and abroad, are judged by a panel of remarkable artists.

Argentina Same Sex Marriage

Last wednesdey, 14th July Argentina Gay Marriage Law was aprroved. Come to Buenos Aires to celebrate with us!

El pasado miércoles 14 de julio se aprobó en el Senado argentino la Ley de Matrimonio Igualitario, que establece la igualdad ante la ley de parejas de distinto e igual sexo. La llamada ley de “matrimonio gay” fue aprobada luego de un encendido debate que opuso a partidarios del matrimonio gay y voceros de la Iglesia católica.

En la capital de Argentina, Buenos Aires, existe hace varios meses la ley de Unión Civil, que permite a parejas del mismo sexo legalizar de cierta forma su situación. Esta nueva ley, de alcance nacional, brinda ahora a las parejas del mismo sexo el mismo status legal que los matrimonios heterosexuales, incluyendo la posibilidad de adopción.

Ya en 2001 la discusión había sido iniciada en Holanda, cuando se aprobase la ley de matrimonio homosexual. Le siguieron Bélgica, Canadá y España. Hoy en día, son 10 los paises que aceptan y reconocen el matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo, con el mismo status y los mismos derechos que las parejas heterosexuales.

La posibilidad de adopción ha generado encendidos debates. Muchos opositores a la ley de matrimonio para parejas del mismo sexo han demostrado su homofobia en este aspecto. La tolerancia, muchas veces, ha mostrado como límite la convivencia y el reconocimiento de la existencia de la pareja, pero negando el derecho a adoptar un niño. Dicen los detractores que estas parejas, si bien existen y son “toleradas”, son anormales e indeseables, en definitiva, por lo cual no es conveniente que un menor pueda crecer junto a ellas.

La sanción de esta ley no sólo a puesto a Argentina a la cabeza de los paises que luchan contra la discriminación homosexual sino que abre un camino de posibilidad y felicidad para los miembros de las comunidades locales. No sólo es Buenos Aires, la ciudad cosmopolita e históricamente avanzada en legislación, sino todo un país el que reconoce que las parejas del mismo sexo son, en esencia, iguales que las heterosexuales. Ahora los argentinos y argentinas tienen el camino libre para demostrarlo, ser felices y hacer historia.

Cafe Tortoni is a must see in Buenos Aires. It’s located in the heart of the city. This is the perfect place for a coffee or a snack when walking along Avenida de Mayo. In past times it was frequented by notable guests such as tango singer Carlos Gardel, dramatist Federico García Lorca, painter Benito Quinquela Martín and some of the great argentine writers and intellectuals, including Jorge Luis Borges. More recently, the Tortoni has hosted Hilary Clinton and King Juan Carlos I of Spain.

It was founded in 1858 and is the oldest cafe in Argentina. The interior of the cafe is lovely with art nouveau decor, high ceilings, stained glass, yellowish marble and bronzes. Also there are many paintings and pictures hanging on its wall from its glory days.

The prices in Cafe Tortoni aren’t too much higher than in other cafes in Buenos Aires. The cafe is open Monday to Saturday from 8 to 2am and Sunday from 9 to 1am.

Price: US$11-20
comparison: about average
Avenida de Mayo 82.
http://www.cafetortoni.com.ar

Argentina's bicentennial in Buenos Aires

The Argentina Bicentennial is a series of celebrations and observances celebrated on May 25, 2010, and throughout the year. They commemorated the 200th anniversary of the May Revolution, a sequence of historical events that led to the Viceroy Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros’ being ousted from office and replaced with the Primera Junta, the first national government.

Bicentennial celebrations began on Friday, May 21, in Buenos Aires, with millions of people in attendance, making it the biggest outdoor festivities Argentina has seen since it celebrated its return to democratic rule after seven years of military dictatorship in 1983

The 9 de Julio Avenue was closed to the traffic between Belgrano and Corrientes avenues during the festivity days, and was used to host the main celebrations.

Many artists sang new versions of patriotic hymns, there were a lot of exhibitions, lectures and courses.

Litto Nebbia acted as host in the concert of national rock bands, and performers included Fito Páez, León Gieco, Moris and Luis Alberto Spinetta. Also there was a concert of Latin American music, hosted by León Gieco and with the presence of Jaime Roos, Gilberto Gil, Víctor Heredia, Gustavo Santaolalla, Totó La Momposina, Mundo Alas and Pablo Milanés.

Plaza Catedral San Isidro

If you are coming to visit Buenos Aires you should read this post with the listed ferias (flea markets, street fairs) available for your shopping pleasure. Also read the part 1 and part 2 of this post

Zona Norte

Vicente López
- “Paseo de la Costa”,  Vergara and el Rio. Saturday, Sunday and holidays 11am to 6pm. About 30 stands.  www.feriadelacosta.com.ar

Olivos/Vicente López
– “Puente de las Culturas”. About 15 stands.  Check web site for performances and tango classes  www.feriapuentedelasculturas.es.tl

San Isidro
– “Plaza Catedral San Isidro”. Saturday 10 to 9pm, Sundays and holidays 2pm to 9pm.  130 stands.
www.artesanos-sanisidro.com.ar

Puerto de Frutos

Acassuso
- “Paseo las Barrancas”, Díaz de Solís and Perú Thursday through Sunday and holidays 10am to 8pm

San Fernando
- “Feria de San Fernando”/”Plaza Mitre”, Constitución 900 Friday and Saturday 10am to 8pm.
www.sanfernando.gov.ar

Tigre
- “Puerto de Frutos”, Sarmiento and Córdoba
www.puertodefrutos-arg.com.ar

Zona Sur

Avellaneda
– “Plaza Alsina”, Mitre and AlsinaThursday and Friday 10am to 8pm.
www.artesanosavellaneda.com.ar

Lomas de Zamora
- “Feria de lomas de Zamora”/”Plaza Grigera”, Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen 8700.

Quilmes
- “Feria de Quilmes”, Mitre and Rivadavia, in front of the cathedralFriday and Saturday, 4pm to 8pm.  About 60 stands.

Zona Oeste

Haedo
- “Feria de Haedo” (”Paseo de los Artesanos”), Av. Rivadavia and Casullo   Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 2pm to 8pm. 12 stands.
www.moron.gov.ar

Morón
– “Plaza San Martín”,  San Martín and Buen Viaje. Friday through Sunday and holidays, 11am to 8pm. About 90 stands.
www.moron.gov.ar

Ituzaingó
- “Plaza Ituzaingo”, Zufriategui and Las Heras.

Palermo

Plaza Serrano

– “Paseo Palermo Viejo”, Malabia and Costa Rica. About 100 stands.  Specializing in clothing by independent designers as well as crafts.
www.paseopalermoviejo.com.ar

- “Plazoleta Santa Fe”/”Plaza Italia”, Santa Fe and Thames. 150 stands

- “Paseo Darwin”, Honduras and Juan B. Justo. 120 stands.  Art, design and cultural events
www.buenosaires.gov.ar

- “Plaza Cortazar”. Jorge Luis Borges and Honduras. About 100 stands
www.feriacortazar.com.ar

- “Feria de Diseño”/”Plaza Serrano”,  Serrano 1557. Clothing and accessories by independent designers. Wednesday thru Friday 2pm to 8pm, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 3pm to 9pm.

Belgrano
– “Feria Artesanal Belgrano”,  Av. Juramento and Cuba.  150 stands.
www.belgrarte.com.ar (the website has very limited info)

Caballito
- “Paseo Centenario”, Patricias Argentinas and Machado
- “Parque Rivadavia”/”Lezica”, Av. Rivadavia and RosarioBooks and used LPs/CDs, stamps and coins. Every day from 10am to 7pm.
www.republicadecaballito.com - www.parquerivadavia.8m.com -   www.ombudelrivadavia.com.ar

Chacarita
- “Paseo Los Andes,” Av. Corrientes and Dorrego. 580 stands.

Mataderos

Paseo Alberdi

- “Paseo Alberdi”, Av. Lisandro de la Torre and Av.Directorio. Specializes in traditional, folkloric art, foods and performances. Check website for special events and performances. 400 stands.
http://www.feriademataderos.com.ar

Parque Avellaneda
– “Paseo Avellaneda”, Av. Directorio and Lacarra.

Parque Chacabuco
– “Feria de Parque Chacabuco”,  Mitre and Asamblea

Parque Patricios
– “Paseo Parque Patricios”, Av. Caseros and Almafuerte

Saavedra
– “Paseo Saavedra”, García del Río and Roque Pérez

Unless specifically noted in the description, all listed ferias take place Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11am to 8pm and feature typical flea market goods. Many also feature music and street performances.

Capital Federal

Feria de San Telmo

Montserrat
– “Paseo Manzana de Las Luces”, Perú and Alsina. Monday through Friday 10:30 to 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm to 7:30pm  Antiques and crafts.
www.manzanadelasluces.gov.ar
– Patio del Cabildo, Av. De Mayo and Bolivar. Thursday and Friday 11am to 6pm  About. 40 stands  www.patiodelcabildo.com.ar

San Telmo
- “Plaza Dorrego”/”Feria de San Telmo”, Humberto I and DefensaSundays (10am to 5pm).  Specializes in antiques. Also holds tango performances. 270 stands.
www.feriadesantelmo.com/menu.htm
- “Paseo Lezama”, Av. Brasil and Defensa. 150 stands.

La Boca
– “Feria Artesanal de Caminito”, Caminito and Magallanes.  Saturdays and Sundays from 10am  to 7pm.
– Feria de Arte Popular, Martín Rodríguez and Palos. Saturday 2pm to 9pm, Sunday 11am to 8pm.  Open every day in summer.
- “Vuelta de Rocha”, Av Pedro de Mendoza and Del Valle Iberlucea. Thursday thru Sunday and holidays, 10am to 8pm.   60 stands.

Congreso
- “Paseo Congreso”, Hipólito Yrigoyen and Cevallos.

Plaza Francia

Retiro
- “Paseo El Retiro”, Av. Calabria and Rosario Vera Peñaloza.

Recoleta

- “Plaza Houssay”, Av. Córdoba and JunínMonday through Friday, 10am to 7pm.  About 20 stands. 
www.artesanos-houssay.com.ar
– Paseo recoleta/Plaza Urquiza, Av. Del Libertador and Pueyrredón
- “Plaza Francia”/”Plaza Intendente Alvear”, Av. Del Libertador and Av. Alvear. Up to 100 stands.
www.feriaplazafrancia.com (website includes photos of artists’ work)

Gay Tango dance in Buenos Aires

If you read this blog for first time that mean you don’t know where is Buenos Aires, what do you do there and where do you spend a worderful night. But if you read this blog since the last year you should know everything about the places to visit in your holidays in Buenos Aires. Ok, but don’t you think that you should learn a little more of argentine culture? If your answer is YES, that means you are ready to learn Spanish and Tango dance lessons, of course!!!

So if you want to speak spanish and dance Tango while you are in Buenos Aires, don’t  miss this opportunity check this fabulous package that includes seven nights accommodation with taxes and breakfast, Welcome cocktail & snack, Welcome package (SIM phone card, bus map and coins set, metro card and map, gay city map and memory gift), 20 hours of  intense professional Spanish lessons per week, 10 hours of Tango dance lessons per week, Walking City Tour around Buenos Aires and Coffee, tea, free use of nternet, Spanish learning materials (during the course).

One reason to learn Spanish:  you will be in a warm and funny place, with the possibility to make new friends and participate on different activities with your study group. Don’t  miss the opportunity to learn Spanish and tango dance in Buenos Aires!

Gay Valentine's Day

Saint Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th. It is a very important date for ALL the couples -straight and gay- and it is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines“). Also people invite their couples to spend the day in a romantic city and have a special night in a expensive hotel. But if you want to make Valentine’s Day a very special day, you can buy a tour to Buenos Aires (three nights in wonderful Argentina) and spend a lovely weekend with your Half-Orange.

It is not expensive. The price per person in… double room: us$ 199,  single room: us$ 299, triple room: us$ 179. The tour to Buenos Aires package includes: Round trip transfers, Welcome kit, City Tour and a three nights accomodation with taxes and breakfast at Moonlight House.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss this opportunity to visit Buenos Aires with your couple and have an unforgettable Saint Valentine’s Day in South America.

We wish you a Happy Saint Valentine’s Day!

Vendimia 2010

Begin exploring the city of Mendoza, the foundation area, historic buildings, squares, the dazzling General San Martin Park and the Hill of Glory, where we will have a magnificent panoramic view of the capital of western Argentina.

The next day we go to watch the majestic Andes Mountains, where there will spend a day of adventure, we’ll get rafting, horseback riding, rapelling, tasting a delicious outdoor barbecue accompanied by very good wines, surrounded by a breathtaking landscape.

Also in this package to Vendimia 2010 we will go visit one of the most outstanding wineries worldwide, located 50 km from the city of Mendoza, Zuccardi family winery. There we have diverse and entertaining activities, knowing from the vineyard to the preparation and tasting of fine wines, we either will cook with very pleasant people who will teach us to make bread and empanadas that we can then enjoy a delicious barbecue or realize the activity or grape harvest among beautiful vineyards. There is also a very original option is to travel the globe to find incredible vineyards from above.

Grapes of Vendimia

At night the city lights up with the Via Blanca de las Reinas, a parade of carriages with departmental candidates to National Queen. Each one is designed to represent the people and the productive activities of each department, music and fun lights attached to them in Vendimia 2010.

On Saturday morning we will enjoy the Carrousel of the Queens. In the afternoon we prepare for attending the show of Vendimia 2010, the main event at the majestic ¨Anfiteatro¨ Frank Romero Day, to enjoy an amazing night with play of colors, lights, music and more than 500 artists on the setting. Finally the completion of this event, we will move to downtown to enjoy National Grape Harvest Festival Gay, an innovative and eclectic entertainment that ends with a giant electronic party.