Carnival Monday in Argentina

One of the most important cultural events in Argentina is the Carnival, and within the Carnival, the biggest day of all is Lunes de Carnival - or Carnival Monday. But what is Carnival Monday? Why is it so important? And what do the people of Argentina do to celebrate? Read on and discover all about Carnival Monday.

Carnival Monday takes place on the Monday before Ash Wednesday and along with Carnival Tuesday marks the beginning of Lent, much like Mardis Gras, Shrove Tuesday, and Pancake Day in other cultures. Historically, this was a time to celebrate, eat, and drink, before the fasting of Lent. Argentina loves to party, so of course these two days have become some of the most extravagant party days in the world! The Monday and the Tuesday are national holidays, so most people get both days off from work. 

While there is a large Carnival in the capital, Buenos Aires, Carnivals happen in towns and villages all over the country. You can expect loud music, parades, costumes, confetti and water bombs, and often fairground rides and food stalls. Dancing is a large part of South American culture, and there is always dancing on the street during Carnival. There are also organised dance competitions, shows, and of course, dancing as part of the parades. 

 

Some of the most popular Carnival towns in Argentina include Gualeguaychú - this is the biggest Carnival in Argentina and actually begins way back in January. Other popular locations include Corrientes - which became the Argentina national capital of the Carnival in 2021 - Tilcara, and Salta. But really, wherever there are Argentine people there will be a party come Carnival season, especially on Carnival Monday. However, in general, Carnival traditions are usually more common in the north of Argentina than the South.

What exactly do they eat and drink in Argentina during Carnival? Well, as mentioned, it marks the beginning of Lent, so it is a chance to eat everything you want before a period of fasting. Of course, this means to eat, an Asado. Asados are traditional Argentine barbeques that dominate every event in Argentina. To drink, some fine wine, some beer, and maybe some caipirinhas - a traditional Brazillian cocktail that has become popular at Argentina's Carnivals too.

The origin of the Carnival begins in the 1600s, when European settlers brought it over from Italy via Spain. Over the years, however, there have been influences from many different cultures, including African and indigenous. This makes the Carnival one of the most mulit-culutral global celebrations. People of all backgrounds and classes gather on the streets of the towns to eat, drink, and be merry. While Carnival seems to have been going on forever, it actually was abolished during the 1970s and the 1990s by the government, only to return in the 2000s.

 

Because of its link to Easter, the date of Carnival Monday changes each year, but this year it will take place on the 20^th February. If you'd like to see the wonderful Carnival for yourself, why not look the part and don a traditional Argentine polo-inspired pampeano belt? Take a look right here on the website to discover our full range.