Argentina:
Music and Dance

Argentina is well known for its diverse traditions and musical styles many of which are a blend of immigrant and indigenous cultures. There is a strong musical tradition in Argentina the comes directly from the Spanish and the Italian immigrants of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Over time the music of the New World became infused with the traditions of the Old World to create a unique style in Argentina.

Argentina: The Music

In Argentina you will hear two main types of folk music as you travel around. One type comes from the original people/culture of the area and the other is a style of Creole music that comes from the Spanish colonists. The Spanish colonists brought in a style of music, dance, etc. that over time blended with the local music and became the music that Argentina is so famous for today.

Argentina has a variety of very distinct region that have their own unique cultural characteristics. In the Patagonia region you will find a more indigenous style of folk music. To the north in the province of Jujuy one can find music that still retains traditions passed down from the Incas. In the area around Cordoba the cuarteto has become very popular. In the Pampas the music is generally quiet but the dancing can be very lively.

Argentina & Tango

Argentina is world famous for Tango. It is said that this dance represents the essence of the Latin American dance style. The music emphasizes the following themes: loneliness, passion, desire, despair and jealousy. Instruments used typically include the guitar, violin, the string bass, the piano, and the accordion. This style of music became popular in the early 20th Century in the poorer neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. By 1915 Tango became popular in London, Paris and New York. At that point the elite of Argentina who initially disdained this style of music began accepting it with national pride.

Today the music from the Caribbean has become popular in Argentina. As with much of Latin America you can hear Salas in many dance halls around the country. Additionally rock music from the UK and the USA is very popular among the younger people in Argentina. Recently there has been a push to create a style of Argentine rock which is different from that found in the US and UK.

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