Cultural Analysis: Argentina and Uruguay's Traditions and Ethnicity

This essay provides an overview of the rich and diverse cultures of Argentina and Uruguay. It highlights the significance of the Tango dance, which originated with slaves and reflects the cultural identity of the people. The essay also discusses the Gaucho tradition, representing strength and bravery, and its historical roots in the grasslands. Furthermore, it explores Argentina's geographical diversity, including the Andes, Pampas, and Patagonia, and how these landscapes have shaped the country's cultural identity. The essay references the historical context, geographical landscapes, and traditions that have contributed to the unique cultural identities of both nations. The essay concludes by emphasizing the cultural and traditional diversity of Argentina and Uruguay.

Running head: CULTURES OF ARGENTINA AND URUGUAY
Cultures of Argentina and Uruguay
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1CULTURES OF ARGENTINA AND URUGUAY
The culture of Argentina and Uruguay has been extremely rich and diverse in relation
to its tradition and ethnicity.
The Tango is a dance form that had been initially organised by the slaves. It reflects
the traditionalism of Native Americans as well as the African culture (Miller). The people of
Argentina and Uruguay incorporates this dance form in their own celebrations and festivals
since it is an embodiment of their own native identity. Being one of the most influential
dances in the world, tango dates back to the 18th century. It has a history of uniting the
Argentinians and the slaves of Africa. By the end of the 19th century, it became a global
dance form as the people began to enjoy its energetic style. The dance style of Tango
represents and expresses the soul of the Argentinians and Uruguayans as it had been a
folklore brining out their culture to the global forum. Everyone who had a good physique
used to dance Tango and it had been a dance form that used to keep the people fit. It had been
almost a part of every Argentinian’s life until the death of the president’s wife Evita in the
year 1952 (Link, Kacey and Wendland).
Geographically, Argentina is very diverse as the area can be grouped into four major
regions. These include the Andes, the North, the Patagonia and the Pampas. Situated in the
south if America, it ranks as the world’s eighth largest country (Malizia et. Al). The country
of Argentina encompasses the geographical terrains, vast plains and deserts, forests as well as
rivers, mountains and the huge oceans chores. Being the greatest source of silver, the country
got its name from the Latin name of Silver that is argentum. Not only silver, but the country’s
land is a great source of minerals. The vast areas of the Pampas acts as a romantic attraction
to the tourists as well as the local people and the arid landscapes of the Patagonia helps the
country to be a lot more diverse than the others.

2CULTURES OF ARGENTINA AND URUGUAY
In addition to the geographical landscapes of Argentina, the gaucho tradition of
Uruguay and Argentina adds to the traditionalism and ethnicity of the nations. Representing
strength and capability of facing and combating any violence, the cowboy or the Gaucho
tradition of Argentina dates back to the early 18th and 19th century (Acree Jr). The tradition of
Gaucho originated in the grasslands of Argentina and Uruguay. The name originated from the
nomadic and the colourful horsemen of the Pampas cow lands these people were skilled and
brave, which became the national symbol of the nations of Argentina and Uruguay. They
represented the regional cultural tradition and they were talked about in great terms by the
South American literary artists. The tradition of Gaucho had also been considered to be a
symbol of corruption among the nationalist of Argentina and Uruguay.
Thus it can be concluded that the nations of Argentina and Uruguay had been
extremely diverse both culturally and traditionally.

3CULTURES OF ARGENTINA AND URUGUAY
Reference list:
Link, Kacey, and Kristin Wendland. Tracing tangueros: Argentine tango instrumental music.
Oxford University Press, 2016.
MILLER, MARILYN G. "Picturing Tango." Tango Lessons: Movement, Sound, Image, and
Text in Contemporary Practice (2014): 82.
Acree Jr, William G. "The Creole Circus and Popular Entertainment in 19th Century
Argentina and Uruguay." Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Latin American History.
2016.
Malizia, Agustina, et al. "Geographical, taxonomical and ecological aspects of lianas in
subtropical forests of Argentina." Biodiversity of Lianas. Springer, Cham, 2015. 17-
42.