Argentina will celebrate Independence Day this Sunday July 9 with people all over the country pouring into the streets to enjoy some traditional food and partake in music, dance, and theater. Depending on what your interests are, you’ll find countless activities all over Buenos Aires celebrating the past and present of Argentine culture.

Plays in La Boca

In the La Boca neighborhood, the community theater group Catalinas Sur is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a festival starting at noon at Escuella Della Penna (Dr. Eduardo Braun Menéndez 260). The group was created in 1983 with the return of democracy as an expression of collective memory, where neighbors could come together and put on original plays about history and culture.

The Catalinas Sur event continues with a parade in the streets, with live music and a puppet show escorting attendees to the Plaza Malvinas Argentinas. At 2 p.m., there will be a special performance of their classic play “Venimos de muy lejos” in the plaza. Following the performance there will be a barbecue where they will serve fresh grilled meats including traditional chorizo dishes. 

Feria de Mataderos

In southern Buenos Aires city there is also the Feria de Mataderos, an historic fair that hosts a celebration of traditional folklore dance and music as well as multiple places to eat. Located about an hour away from the downtown area, the festival starts at 11 a.m. and goes on until 6 p.m. A market selling local goods and cooking up traditional dishes will accompany the live performances throughout the day. 

BA City Artisanal markets

Another highlight is the circuit of Buenos Aires city artisanal markets, where there will be cooking classes and ample displays of food from many different Latin American cultures. Classes began on Saturday at Mercado Belgrano, and are also available in the San Nicolás and Bonpland markets. 

On Sunday, the main draw in these markets all over the city will be live music and a festive celebration of independence to highlight the local food courts, with the closing performance taking place at 4 p.m. at the Patio Rodrigo Bueno market, located in Puerto Madero. 

Food and music are an essential part of the celebration of the declaration of independence, and restaurants all over the city will be serving up traditional dishes. Locro, a traditional andean stew, empanadas, and lentejas stew are staples of the argentine celebration.

Even though red meat has become somewhat associated with Argentine identity, there are many vegan options as well, including HierBabuena restaurant who serves a vegan locro. A perfect way to end your day, all washed down with a cup of wine or an artisanal brew.