Argentina

November 6-29, 2009

November 8: Fiesta de la Tradicion in San Antonio de Areco

The Gaucho Parade

The big event for the morning was the gaucho parade where all the gauchos and their families would ride through town on horse back. A band was also present to start the parade with the national anthem (longest anthem ever!) and to provide music for the traditional dancers.

Well this must be the spot for all the important folks... where do we sit?! ;-)

The cell phone... an integral part of the traditional gaucho apparel.

Ok, this gaucho's belt (tirador) and knife (facón) look a little more authentic than the cell phone did.

As it becomes obvious that the parade has stopped in front of the ritzy folks,
we realize we'll have to abandon our shady spot if we want to see anything.

Apparently this show was designed to be visible by the richest (and fewest!) people.

... perfect!

After the band played the longest national anthem ever, there was a display of traditional dancing.

This dance featured some kerchief waving.

Ahhh, all the young girls turn their heads as the gaucho strides past!

Too little to ride in the parade, this baby gaucho gets the royal treatment.

And the band plays on...

As the parade marched on again, we took up our spots along the road again.

Apparently keeping a polite distance is not the tradition as people stepped right out into the road
(and in front of our cameras!) to get their own photos.

Of course once we figured it out.

At the beginning of the procession, the flag bearer with the flag of the Buenos Aires Province.

The participants carry signs and flags of the estancias they represent.

This little gaucho is wearing the traditional beret, knotted scarf, tirador (belt), bombachas (flared trousers, buttoned at the bottom and ideal for riding), and alpargatas (canvas and rope-sole shoes).