April 2nd Holiday in Argentina: Malvinas War Memorial & Things to Do in Buenos Aires

April 2nd is a significant date in Argentina, observed as Día del Veterano y de los Caídos en la Guerra de Malvinas (Veterans and Fallen of the Malvinas War Day). This national holiday is dedicated to remembering the soldiers who fought and lost their lives during the Falklands War (Guerra de las Malvinas), a conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1982. Throughout the country, commemorative events take place, with the most notable ceremonies occurring at the Monumento a los Caídos en Malvinas in Buenos Aires.

Wondering what you can do on Holidays in Argentina and what is open? Read the post of things to do on Sundays and holidays

Read more: why San Martin is so honoured in Argentina?

The Falklands War – Malvinas War (1982)

The Falklands War was a 10-week conflict that erupted after Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) on April 2, 1982, in an attempt to reclaim sovereignty over the territory. In response, the United Kingdom dispatched a military task force to reclaim the islands. By June, British forces had landed and launched an offensive that ultimately led to the Argentine surrender on June 14, 1982.

The war resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine and 258 British servicemen. Two warships gained historical significance: the Argentinian light cruiser ARA General Belgrano, which was sunk by a British submarine, and the British destroyer HMS Sheffield, which was hit by an Argentine Exocet missile. The conflict had profound consequences for both nations—Argentina’s military junta collapsed in 1983, paving the way for democracy, while in the UK, the victory bolstered Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s government.

Monumento a los Caídos en Malvinas

Located in Plaza San Martín in Buenos Aires, this memorial honors the Argentine soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Inaugurated in 1990, the monument features a curved granite wall with 25 black marble plaques engraved with the names of the fallen. At its center, an eternal flame burns in remembrance.

Visiting the Memorial

• Best time to visit: Any day, but especially on April 2nd when ceremonies take place.
• What to expect: A solemn atmosphere, with tributes, wreath-laying, and speeches by veterans and officials.
• Location: Plaza San Martín, near Retiro.
• Accessibility: The site is easily reachable by subway (Line C, General San Martín station) and bus.

April 2nd in Buenos Aires: What to Expect

Since April 2nd is a national holiday, most government offices, banks, and schools remain closed. However, many tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping centers stay open, though with reduced hours. Here are some ideas for making the most of the day:

• Attend the commemorations at Plaza San Martín to witness how Argentina remembers its fallen soldiers.
• Explore Puerto Madero and its historical sites, such as the Fragata Sarmiento, a naval museum ship.
• Visit the Recoleta Cemetery, where you can see tombs of prominent Argentine figures, including past presidents and cultural icons.
• Enjoy Buenos Aires’ café culture, with many traditional bares notables (historic cafés) open for business.
• Check out museums, as some, like the MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art), remain open. For more museums check the best museums list.

For a full guide on what’s open on Sundays and holidays, check out my dedicated post on things to do in Buenos Aires on holidays.

The Falklands War continues to be a deeply significant issue in Argentina, with national identity and sovereignty at its core. Whether visiting the memorial or simply being in Buenos Aires on April 2nd, understanding this history offers deeper insight into Argentina’s past and present.