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Buenos Aires Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Buenos Aires
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Buenos Aires Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Buenos Aires - Downtown Buenos Aires is as sophisticated as any
European city, with its wide avenues, fine colonial architecture
and rows of pavement cafes. The city was built by French, Italian
and Spanish immigrants and the Porteños (locals) still regard
themselves as more European than South American. Travellers walking
through the leafy parks and boulevards could be forgiven for
thinking they were in Madrid, Paris or Milan.
Buenos Aires was founded on the shores of the Rio de la
Plata in 1570 and was named after the patron saint of sailors for
the good wind or buen aire. The city remained
a colonial backwater for 200 years while the Spanish concentrated
their attentions on wealthier Peru. During this time Buenos Aires
became a thriving centre for smuggling between South America and
Europe. Dissatisfaction with Spanish economic and political
dominance escalated to boiling point and culminated in the
revolution of May 1810 and finally to independence in 1816. Its
history since then has been dogged by military coups and political
mismanagement; the consequences of which are growing disaffection
with the government and widespread poverty, as is evident in the
sprawling shantytowns on the city's outskirts.
This turbulent history has not managed to stifle the
indomitable spirit of the Porteños whose passion, charm and
vibrancy have forged this great city, a place in which the fire of
Evita's soul and the allure of the tango
endure.
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Buenos Aires
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Cabildo
Calle Bolívar 65
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What is it? Opposite the Casa Rosada on the Plaza de Mayo
is the resplendent former Spanish town hall, the Cabildo, a
fascinating old colonial building fronted by arches that once
encircled the plaza, back during the May Revolution in 1810. The
guards outside the building are members of the revered Regimiento
de Patricios, which was formed in 1806. They still wear their
traditional uniforms, designed nearly 200 years ago. The interior
houses a small museum, which displays some interesting
architectural relics, religious icons as well as watercolour
paintings by Enrique Pellegrini.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Friday 12.30am to 7pm, Sunday 3pm to
7pm
Phone:(011) 4334 1782 |
2. Casa Rosada
Casa Rosada is situated at the eastern end of the Plaza de
Mayo
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What is it? One of the world's most famous balconies juts
out of Argentina's Presidential Palace, known as the Casa Rosada.
The pink building has been the scene of many a political rally,
particularly during the regime of the notorious and tragic Juan and
Eva Peron. The Italian style building, fronted with palm trees and
fountains, was painted pink when it was converted from a Customs
and Post Office building into the presidential palace. President
Sarmiento decided to appease opposing political parties by merging
red and white into a pink colour scheme for the palace. Today the
building houses a small basement museum displaying some
presidential artefacts. Each evening a small platoon of mounted
grenadiers emerge from the guardhouse to lower the flag on the
Plaza, adding a touch of pomp and ceremony to the pretty
building.
Hours of Operation: Museum: 10am to 6pm (weekdays), 2pm to 6pm (Sundays).
Tours are at 11am and 4pm. It is recommended that one call in
advance to arrange an English-language tour
Phone:(0)11 4344 3802 |
3. Catedral Metropolitana
Plaza de Mayo
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What is it? Other important buildings around the Plaza de
Mayo include the Neoclassical Catedral Metropolitana, which houses
the tomb of General José de San Martin, the revered hero who
liberated Argentina from the Spanish. The cathedral was
periodically rebuilt and renovated since the foundation stone was
laid in the 16th century. The current structure was finally
completed in the mid-19th century. The interior has recently been
renovated and the gilded columns, Venetian mosaic floors, and
silver-plated altar are in pristine
condition.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to
7.30pm
Phone:(0)11 4331 2845 |
Buenos Aires
holidays - Top Events
1. Argentine Open
From 2006-11-18
To 2006-12-09
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What is it? Polo was introduced to Argentina by the
British and has become a major national sport. Argentina is home to
the world's best players, most of whom travel to England or the US
in the winter to earn their living and return to Buenos Aires to
compete in the most gruelling tournament of the year, the Argentine
Open. The teams - which are often dominated by the big polo
families of the Heguys, Merlos and Pieres - play a series of
eight-chukka matches to a packed crowd at the Palermo stadium. For
more information contact the Buenos Aires Tourist Information
Centre on (0)11 4372 3612.
Where is it? Palermo Stadium |
2. Tango Festival
From 2007-02-23
To 2007-03-04
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What is it? The sultry tango was born in Buenos Aires,
and is celebrated in the city in fine style for six days and nights
during the annual Tango Festival. Visitors and locals, experts and
beginners, all swirl and twirl in legendary Corrientes Avenue
itself, and the numerous 'milonga portena' dance salons. There are
demonstrations, free lessons and plenty of music played in concerts
by soloists and orchestras.
Where is it? Various |
3. Creamfields
From 2006-11-11
To 2006-11-11
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What is it? Now Latin America's biggest electronic music
festival after attracting over 60,000 fans in 2005, Creamfields is
set to top that once again in 2006. The best DJ's and electonica
artists perform at the Argentinean version of this British event
that was begun in 1998. Since then the event has expanded to nine
separate Creamfields events around the world. Headliners for 2006
include Underworld, Sasha, Eric Morillo, Tiga and Dave
Clark.
Where is it? Deportiva de la Boca, en Costanera Sur |
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