Sofia De Sousa 
In Argentina, the decision to celebrate Día del Amigo on July 20 was promoted in the early 1970s by Enrique Ernesto Febbraro, who was inspired by the symbolism of twinned mankind the first moon landing represented.
Friendship is a core value for most Argentines, so don’t be surprised to see people packing up bars and restaurants on Saturday night: Argentina takes Día del Amigo very seriously.
Here are some of the Herald’s favorite options to spend one of our favorite days in Buenos Aires, from bars to museums, from art exhibits to classic arcades.
The name translates to Buddies and a Little Wine, which basically says it all. Vino con Amigas offers a stacked plan for Friendship Day on Saturday 20, from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. at Joya wine bar. The kick off is a reading of excerpts from Natalie Dezeta’s latest novel and an art exhibit by Ludmila Miol. At 5 p.m. DJ Julieta De Schant will play a set while they distribute the three free wines that come with the entry. The party continues at El Limon bar at 7 p.m. where second DJ @naife2k will light up the night.
An option with style in one of the most sophisticated spots in Buenos Aires. The Buenos Aires’ Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA), offers the chance of having a drink with friends in the Museum’s terrace as well as a guided tour through their newest exhibition, Intergaláctico, by Gyula Kosice, a Czech-Argentine artist and a pioneer in luminous and kinetic art. The terrace will be open from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and the guided tours will be available at 7:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.. Tickets are AR$12,000 and can be purchased on the MALBA’S website.
A classic neighborhood cafe in Villa Crespo has turned into a huge multi-game bar and restaurant with pool, billiards, ping pong and foosball tables, as well chess boards and playing cards available for local musts like truco. San Bernardo is a perfect spot for a night of drinking and playing. Be sure to sign up for your game of choice at the bar first, so you can sit and have a drink while you wait your turn.
A special treat: for July 20, “Sanber” and the Villa Crespo History Board have organized an afternoon tour of the neighborhood’s most emblematic sites, including the old 1895 pharmacy “del Aguila”, the home of tango legend Osvaldo Pugliese, an Argentine tango legend, and, of course, Café San Bernardo which is a notable bar of the City of Buenos Aires
Having a good time at a party with good music doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll go to bed very late and wake up at 3 p.m. the next day. The people at Hay Plan, who dedicate themselves to coming up with all kinds of social gatherings, have organized an early party on Friday the 19th, from 10 p.m. until 3 a.m.. Three different DJs will set the mood for a very decades-ranging Latin party featuring music by Maria Becerra, Los Angeles Azules, Daddy Yankee and Rosalia. Tickets can be purchased here for people over 18.
ARCADE CLUB SOCIAL
Pac-Man, Tetris, Arkanoid, Mortal Kombat, Bubble Fantasy, The Simpsons. If you used to spend entire afternoons playing with your friends at your local arcade, this is the best place to reconnect with your vintage gaming skills while having a drink with friends and partying until late. The Arcade Social Club in Villa Crespo is a rather secluded spot that operates only with prior reservation, but it’s totally worth it. Check their Instagram account and send a DM to book a spot!
