Argentina – Land of Gauchos

Argentina is an exotic country that is famous for not only the traditional dance tango, steaks, Evita Perón, Diego Maradona, Tierra del Fuego, Jorge Luis Borges, but also for gauchos, horsemen and cowhands of the South American pampas that have become an inseparable, enduring image of the country.

The word ‘gaucho’ fist appeared in 1790 meaning “orphan” or “vagabond” and described a tough individual traveling alone in the pampas. Gauchos of Argentina flourished from the mid-eighteenth to the mid-nineteenth century and today remain popular folk heroes.

The traditional outfit of an Argentina gaucho is the following: a wide brimmed hat, woolen poncho or neck scarf, baggy trousers called bombachas, and knee high leather boots. They also usually carry a facon, a long sharp knife and a boleadora, strips of leather containing stones and used as a lariat.

Outfit of Argentina gaucho

Argentina Gauchos have been always renowned for being excellent horsemen. Their roping and riding skills are considered the best anywhere in the world.

Not only are gauchos skilful horsemen, but they are also great dancers. Gauchos of Argentina are well-known for their native male dance malambo that is performed without any music and based entirely on rhythm. The malambo dancer is a master of tap dancing wearing gaucho’s boots and using boleodoras.

On the whole, gauchos have a great impact on cultural life of Argentina. And if you are planning on visiting this marvelous country, you should definitely see an Argentina gaucho in the flesh by visiting an Argentina gaucho festival held annually on November 10th in San Antonio de Areco. At this festival you will have a unique opportunity to experience traditional gaucho dances and songs, as well as horseback riding, hayrides and taste Argentine barbecue (”asado criollo” – grilled in an open fire meat) and wine.