One of the most important things about understanding the culture in Argentina, specifically Buenos Aires, is recognizing some of the dark events that unfolded here not too long ago.
This photo is a memorial plaque for one of the people who was killed by the police during the December 2002 rebellion, which was in response to the Argentina Economic Crisis.
On this day, five people died in Buenos Aires and 38 in the country.
The writing in the photo above says, “This plaque was destroyed by the police on November 21st, 2002 at 3am.”
It is always difficult for me to imagine someone my age living through such a terrible event. And there have been other dark periods in Argentina’s history.
I had taken other tours of Buenos Aires, but I was intrigued by the cultural emphasis with the company CULTOUR and wanted to see if I would learn anything new.
I learned a lot.
There are other reminders throughout the city of the dark past.
Yes, the Argentines have moved on, but they do not want to forget.
CULTOUR is a great way to learn about the city with an emphasis on the culture of Argentine. The local guides are also very open and honest about discussing past and present issues if you want to know more. As Argentines, they will certainly have an opinion, but they also understand and present both sides and the many shades of grey.
If you are visiting Buenos Aires, check out the CULTOUR website. They have a good variety of tour options covering many aspects of Buenos Aires culture.
Sad to know that the place had a terrible past. Was just thinking about the message – it was destroyed at 3 AM? Wondering why the police always try to do the worst in the midnight time… always afraid to mess things up in the daylight… taking advantage of night time for doing the destruction?
Uttoran Sen recently posted..25 Places to Visit in UK
I thought it was odd that it happened at 3am as well.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..How to Stay Fit on a Diet of Goat Cheese and Wine in Cafayate
Wow, I’m totally ignorant about this. Sounds like a dark past indeed.
Roy Marvelous recently posted..Introducing Stickmen & Unicorns (Enter To Win Original Shitty Art)
I think a lot of people visit Argentina without realizing these recent events that have shaped the outlook of the people.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..How to Stay Fit on a Diet of Goat Cheese and Wine in Cafayate
Wow, I had no idea people died in the aftermath of the economic crisis, and like you I have been to BsAs and taken a tour recently. Very interesting and, of course, very sad. (Sorry if this posts twice, I think the first one didn’t go through)
Emily in Chile recently posted..Colorful eats in a colorful city
I know some of the history, yet didn’t know people died rebelling over the financial crisis. Those tours sound very interesting. If you’re already taking a tour, it’s great to have the extra value of learning what you wouldn’t have necessarily learned otherwise.
Ayelet – All Colores recently posted..Buenos Aires Photos: Gallery of Influential Women at the Pink House
I was actually surprised to learn that people died too. The details of the resulting rebellion just does not seem to be emphasized much when you talk about or read about the economic crisis.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..How to Stay Fit on a Diet of Goat Cheese and Wine in Cafayate
We met a woman who was still very affected by the recent past – her husband had been killed by the police. It is hard to imagine something like that and how you would move on from it. I’m not sure I would be able to stay in my country if something like that happened.
Andrea recently posted..How Long Does It Take To Get Settled In Norway? Part Two
It is amazing what many Argentines have lived through. I agree that it would be hard to stay there. But the people also have so much pride in their country and people. There is still very little trust in the government.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..How to Stay Fit on a Diet of Goat Cheese and Wine in Cafayate
It is SO crazy that that’s recent history. Kind of mind blowing but also good that Argentines don’t brush that sort of stuff under the rug…
Kyle recently posted..Hotel Tierra Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama
Definitely makes me appreciate the easy life I have led.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Eating My Way Through BA Part 3: The Food Tour
Its a very sad history. I think the police should be for people and should not be cruel for them. They should be friend of people.
Kieran Patrick recently posted..If Stocks Tank, Shouldn’t Gold Soar?
I’ve been reading your posts and seems like you are enjoying Buenos Aires so much! I envy you.
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