Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina, it is situated on the banks of the River Plate the widest river in the world. Buenos Aires has a population of more than 11 million people including Gran Buenos Aires. It is often called “the Paris of the South” because it has many lovely old European-style buildings and a rich cultural heritage. The city is also famous for its many beautiful shops, restaurants and bars. Many tourists from all over the world visit this city and love its unique ambience.
History
For a long time, Buenos Aires was just a small port in a remote corner of the Spanish Empire. It gained its independence from Spain in 1816. In the following years, the British arrived to build great Railway projects that crossed the country. Between 1840 and 1940 over 4 million European migrants came to Argentina to work on the construction of these railways, most of whom were young men in search of work and a better life. Therefore Buenos Aires quickly grew in size and became a very wealthy and important city.
Music, Dance and Football
Tango, originated in the poor immigrant area of the city called San Telmo in the 19th century. This style of music was influenced by Spanish flamenco guitar and African rhythms. Tango was danced by many construction workers who were employed for the construction of the railways. At that time there were not many women in Buenos Aires, therefore the men danced together in the streets to learn and practice the moves before they danced with a woman.