On the 9th of July, we celebrate de declaration of independence in Argentina. On July 9, 1816, the former Congress of Tucumán declared the independence of the United Provinces of South America against the Kingdom of Spain. Actually, the United Provinces of South America didn’t represent Argentina as we know today. In 1816 there was also the Federal League, which represented more the northern part of Argentina.
Do you want some background information about Argentina? Then I recommend reading Felix Luna’s book. The historian writes pleasantly about the turbulent history of the country. Did you even know that Argentina was about to become a kingdom?
Read also: top things to do in Buenos Aires
The congress of Tucumán had initially the idea to move the capital city to Cuzco and choose an Inca to sit on the throne. Neither way, the congress moved to Buenos Aires and the idea of an Inca plan was forgotten. In 1819, Congress wrote the constitution without a specific type of government in their mind. The elite people of Buenos Aires had still the idea to bring a European prince to Buenos Aires to found a kingdom. Imagine that: the kingdom of Argentina!
In the early years of this young nation, various conflicts arose between the centralists and the federalists, until 1853, when a new constitution was adopted.
What we could do on the 9th of July in Buenos Aires? (If there was no lockdown).
- Take your photo camera and go into the city. On public holidays the city is so quiet that it will give you the ultimate shot! For example, head to 9 de Julio and Diagonal Norte. The street will be empty and on a bright day, it gives you a wonderful shot on the Obelisco.
- A typical thing to eat today is Asado, Empanadas, Locro (food made of corn). In the morning or later in the afternoon a couple of churros, pastelitos, and a cup of hot chocolate milk are very traditional on this holiday.
- There is a military parade on Avenida Libertador. Near Parque 3 Febrero. Starting at 12 o’clock in the afternoon. The location between street Dorrego and Salguero.
- I made a list for you: the top 15 things to do in Buenos Aires!
But I have more!
- A perfect moment to go to Parque 3 Febrero. Go and visit the rose garden nearby. It is beautiful!
- Take the Buenos Aires Sightseeing Bus. You know that big double-decker bus. Because it’s calm, the bus will ride smoothly through the city. Read here my review about the hop-on hop-off bus.
- Go for a walk to Palermo Soho. I can’t say if all the shops will be open but walking there with less traffic will ease your mood.
Some museums are open and some aren’t. It’s difficult to say in general open or closed on public holidays. We suggest to search on Google for the museum and check the opening hours if they updated it.