Carnaval Porteño 2012 - Buenos Aires Carnival

Every weekend of February, from Saturday 4th until February 26th, and including Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st (Carnival Holidays), the “Carnaval Porteño 2012” (Buenos Aires Carnival) will take place at different neighborhoods, with the participation of 17 thousand artists, 119 "murgas" (carnival bands), and over one thousand drums and percussion instruments.

The parades will be held from 7 PM to 2 AM on Saturdays, and from 7 PM to 12 AM on Sundays and Carnival Holidays (February 20 and 21).

Murgas and carnival are the artistic expressions of the marginal neighborhoods, their songs and urban folk customs. The lyrics of these songs are called "criticas", and combine the social denunciation with humor and dancing. What identifies the "murga porteña" from others are their costumes (frock coat, gloves, top hat, and stick), the drums with cymbals, and the various traditional rhythms used to differentiate every neighborhood.

Where to watch the parades:

• Abasto: Av. Córdoba between Agüero and Sanchez de Bustamante: Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26
• Almagro: Av. Corrientes between Medrano and Bulnes: Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26
• Bajo Nunez: Ramallo between Arcos and Vuelta de Obligado: Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26
• Balvanera: Av. Corrientes between Uriburu and Riobamba: Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26
• Boedo 1: Av. Boedo between San Juan and Independencia: Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26 
• Boedo 2: Av. Belgrano between Colombres and Maza: Feb 4, 5, 11, 12 
• Coghlan: Av Congreso between Donado and Mariano Acha: Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26
• Colegiales 1: Av. Federico Lacroze between R. Freire and Martínez: Feb 4, 5
• Colegiales 2: Benjamin Matienzo between Freire and Conesa:  Febr. 18, 19, 20, 21 
• Colegiales 3: Av. Federico Lacroze between Freire and Conesa: Feb 11, 12, 25, 26
• Monserrat: Av. Independencia between Virrey Ceballos and San Jose: Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26
• Palermo: Honduras between Honduras and Gorriti: Feb 18, 19, 20, 21
• Saavedra 1: Av. Balbín between Plaza and Jaramillo: Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26
• Saavedra 2: Av. Balbín between Pico and Arias: Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26
• San Telmo: Av. San Juan between Tacuari and Peru: Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26
• Villa Crespo: Av. Scalabrini Ortiz between Av. Corrientes and Velasco: Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26
• Villa Urquiza: Av. Triunvirato between Monroe and Olazabal: Feb 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26

All the events are free of charge.

Venetian puppet show at the Botanical Garden

The Ministry of Culture of the City of Buenos Aires and the Academy of Fine Arts of Venice present the show "El Mundo de la Luna" (Il Mondo della Luna - The World in the Moon), an introduction to the Opera for children and adults alike, through a unique show with Venetian puppets and Argentine artists, inspired in the Drama Giocoso by Carlo Goldoni, with music by Baldassarre Galuppi.

The Academy of Fine Arts of Venice - symbol of the Italian artistic education since 1750 -  has lent a Venetian "teatrino" with 22 large-size baroque puppets, to mount this show in Buenos Aires.

The show will be offered every Sunday until February 19, 2012, at 6:00pm, with free entrance, at the Botanical Garden (Av. Santa Fe 3951).

The Worldwide Photography Gala Awards Biennial Exhibition

Organized by The Worldwide Photography Gala Awards, this International Biennial of Artistic and Documental Photography will be held at Centro Cultural Borges between January 19 and February 27, 2012.

This exhibition, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture of Argentina and the Embassies of Austria, Poland, Denmark, Norway, Peru, Finland Germany and Belgium, in benefit of Save the Children and FLENI foundations, will be one of the most important photographich events in Latin America.

The main focus of the biennial is on works by women from 40 different countries, the selected images awarded in the1st and 2nd edition of the Julia Margaret Cameron Award, Jacob Riis Award, 1st and 2nd edition of the Pollux Award, and other competitions organized by WPGA during 2010 and 2011.

In total the exhibition will consist of  310 works from 210 artists.

The works, that have been donated by the artists, will be auctioned at the MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires) on February 14th, 7pm, benefiting: Save the Children and the Foundation for the Comprehensive Treatment of Children Neurological Diseases (FLENI).

On January 20, 21 and 22, at 7pm there will be talks by artists awarded at the Biennial, on the development of their work and their experience as photographers, with projection of their works.

On Tuesday 24, at 7pm, singer León Gieco will perform in benefit of the Biennial, among other activities.

Centro Cultural Borges. Viamonte 525

Opening hours: Mondays through Saturdays, from 10:00am to 9:00pm; Sundays, from 12:00pm to 9:00pm

MALBA: Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3415

More information: www.thegalaawards.net

Chinese New Year's celebration in Belgrano

The Chinese New Year 4710 will be celebrated at the Chinese Quarter and for the first time also at Barrancas de Belgrano. On this occasion, to mark the Year of the Dragon, a special two-day celebration will be held, on Saturday, January 21, 2012, from 3pm to 10pm, and Sunday, January 22, from 10am to 8pm.

This is the most important celebration in the Chinese culture. 100 food and cultural stands distributed along Barrancas de Belgrano and the streets Arribeños and Mendoza will provide a festive, attractive and memorable environment for visitors. 

Two stages will be mounted. The main one with large screens, lights and sound will be located in Las Barrancas de Belgrano, Plaza de la Glorieta. And the second stage within Chinatown. The mega event will feature the traditional Dragon Dance and Lion Dance, inaugurating this year the "Dragon Corridor"; Oriental martial arts; traditional Mulan dances; Tea Ceremony; Chinese calligraphy exhibition; Origami; as well as Tango Shows with live orchestra and international couples made ​​up by Argentine and Oriental dancers; choirs of young Argentine singers who will sing Chinese songs and Chinese artists who will sing traditional and modern themes; 2 Korean and Japanese percussion (taiko) groups; Chinese horoscope. 

The celebration will culminate on Sunday evening when Argentina and Asia simultaneously toast for a prosperous Year of the Dragon and together on stage sing the Official Song "The descendants of the Dragon."

Summer 2012: Free cultural activities in Buenos Aires

The government of the City of Buenos Aires presents a program of cultural activities that starts next Saturday, January 14th, 2012, consisting on over 100 free events, including: musical shows, drive-in movies, theater plays, activities for children, circus, performances open air "milongas", and numerous musical events, every day during January and February 2012.
There are many options for kids from Thursday to Friday: open air movie projections at the Amphitheater of Parque Centenario, with animation movies from independent directors; circus shows at Polo Circo; and special activities on Saturdays and Sundays at Feria de Mataderos.
The drive-in movie theater for adults will be set up at the Rose Garden, on Av Libertador & Sarmiento, every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 PM. There will also be stalls for spectators without a car. The first  showing will be "Los Marziano", directed by Ana Katz, on Saturday 14th, followed by “Torrente 4”, “El Estudiante”, “Amateur”, “Medianeras”, “Vaquero”, “Balada triste de trompeta” and “Las acacias”, eight films specially selected by the experts of BAFICI.
On weekends, open air milongas at Vuelta de Rocha (La Boca), on Saturdays and Sundays, 6:30pm, from February 4th to February 18th, with artists like Jairo, Maria Grana, Alberto Podesta, among others, and tango lessons and exhibitions.
At the Amphitheater of Parque Centenario (Av. Angel Gallardo & Leopoldo Marechal) every Thursday at 8:30pm a show with music and poetry will be presented.
At the stage of Costanera Sur (Puerto Madero) there will be Folklore shows, with Pedro Aznar, Roxana Amed, Facundo Saravia, and Dúo Coplanacu, on February 10, 11, and 12, at 8:30pm.
The Rock concerts will take place at Parque Roca (Av. Cnel. Roca 3490), on January 27 (Catupecu Machu), January 28 (Tan Bionica), and 29 (Ambulancia), at 5:30pm. 
And also at Parque Roca, a series of Reggae concerts: February 3 : Dread Mar I, RonDamon, Mala Macumba; February 4: Nonpalidece, Pure Feeling, Contravos; and February 5: Los Pericos, Fidel Nadal. Riddim. All at 5:30pm.

To see complete schedule of activities visit Aires Buenos Aires website (in Spanish only).

Football Soccer in Buenos Aires - Calendar of matches "Torneo Clausura 2012"

The fixture of football (soccer) matches in Buenos Aires for the first half of the year 2012 has been announced. It comprises the matches in the National Tournament, "Torneo Clausura 2012", the international tournament "Copa Libertadores", and the Qualifying matches for Brazil Wold Cup 2014 .

Don't miss the opportunity of attending one of these games the easiest and safest way, with a service that includes tickets, transfers, and bilingual host, provided by the leading company in football tours. Contact me and make your reservation.

FEBRUARY 2012

Sunday 12: Boca vs Olimpo
Saturday 18: River Plate vs Independiente de Mendoza
Wednesday 22: Velez vs Chivas (México) - Copa Libertadores 2012
Sunday 26: Boca vs Newell´s

MARCH 2012

Saturday 3: River Plate vs Quilmes
Sunday 4: San Lorenzo vs Boca
Wednesday 7: Boca vs Fluminense (Brazil) - Copa Libertadores 2012
Sunday 11: Boca vs Independiente
Saturday 17: River Plate vs Deportivo Merlo
Thursday 22: Velez vs Dep.Quito (Ecuador)- Copa Libertadores 2012
Sunday 25: Boca vs Lanús
Thursday 29: Boca vs Arsenal/Huancayo (Perú) -Copa Libertadores 2012 Saturday 31: River Plate vs Ferro

APRIL 2012

Sunday 8: Boca vs Argentinos Jrs.
Saturday 14: River Plate vs Huracán
Tuesday 17: Velez vs Defensor (Uruguay)- Copa Libertadores 2012
Wednesday 18: Boca vs Zamora (Venezuela) - Copa Libertadores 2012
Saturday 21: River Plate vs Instituto
Sunday 29: Boca vs Colón

MAY 2012

Saturday 5: River Plate vs Gimnasia de Jujuy
Sunday 13: Boca vs Vélez
Saturday 19: River Plate vs Guillermo Brown
Sunday 20: Racing vs Boca
Sunday 27: Boca vs Godoy Cruz

JUNE 2021

Sunday 3: Argentina vs Ecuador - Qualifiers World Cup Brazil 2014
Saturday 9: River Plate vs Boca Unidos de Corrientes
Sunday 17: Boca vs Arsenal
Saturday 23: River Plate vs Almirante Brown

Schedule subject to modifications. Please check periodically on this post for updates.

"Buenos Aires Playa", artificial beaches in Buenos Aires

From January 6 until February 29, 2012, the Government of the City of Buenos Aires presents "Buenos Aires Playa" (Buenos Aires Beach), an oasis for those residents and visitors who have to spend the summer in the city, in the style of the artificial sand beaches installed in Paris, Rome, Tokio, Berlín, Bruselles, Ámsterdam, Viena, and Prague.

There are two beaches, one in the North of the city, in Parque de los Niños, and one in the South, in Parque Roca where, from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm, visitors will enjoy an integral program of entertainment for the whole family: artificial sand beaches with sunshades and beach chairs; cultural activities like musical shows and book readings; water fountains and showers to cool down from the heat; sport activities and inflatable playgrounds for kids; magic and puppet shows; food courts; among many other activities and services. Each park will have sports coordinators in aerobics, beach volley, football-tennis and other popular sports. All the activities are free of charge.

Infants have to be permanently accompanied by adults. Entering the parks with alcoholic drinks and/or pets is not allowed.  
Free entrance.
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 8 pm.

How to get there:

Parque de los Niños (North):
Nuñez (on the shore of Río de la Plata where Avenue General Paz ends).
Bus 28, or by car through avenida Cantilo.

Parque Roca (South):
Escalada and 27 de Febrero.
Buses 91 and 115.

As a complement to this program, several parks in Buenos Aires will be transformed into solariums with free sun chairs and sunshades, including Parque Las Heras (Palermo); Plaza Naciones Unidas (near the Law School, Recoleta); Plaza Roque Sáenz Peña, Parque Rivadavia, Plaza Boedo, Plaza Almagro, and Plaza Monte Castro.

For more information and schedule of activities visit Buenos Aires Playa website (in Spanish only).

Recommended Concerts in January, February and March, 2012

JANUARY 2012 

Saturday 14 

JAMES BLUNT

James Blunt comes to Argentina to offer a show in Buenos Aires, as part of his tour “Some Kind of Trouble”. The British artist gained fame in 2005 with his first album Back to Bedlam and its single “You're Beautiful”.

LUNA PARK STADIUM. Av. Corrientes & Bouchard 

Tickets: www.ticketportal.com.ar 

Wednesday 25 

LAURA PAUSINI 

The Italian singer, considered as the most international Italian artist, with over 50 million records sold, will present her new record "Inédito".

LUNA PARK STADIUM. Av. Corrientes & Bouchard 

Tickets: www.ticketportal.com.ar 

FEBRUARY 2012 

Thursday 9 

SELENA GOMEZ 

The teen American artist returns to Buenos Aires to offer a show for the whole family. 

CLUB GEBA: Marcelino Freyre 3381 

Tickets: www.topshow.com.ar 

MARCH 2012 

Thursday 1 

MARC ANTHONY 

The Latin artist, winner of 5 Grammy Awards, will present all his great hits, and songs from his latest record "Iconos", launched in May 2010. 

FERRO CARRIL OESTE STADIUM. Av. Avellaneda 1240 

Tickets: www.tuentrada.com 

Wednesday 7, Friday 9, Saturday 10, Monday 12, Wednesday 14, Thursday 15, Saturday 17, Sunday 18, Tuesday 20 

ROGER WATERS 

The founding member of Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, returns to Argentina to offer nine shows in Buenos Aires, as part of the tour “The Wall Live”. Tickets for the shows on March 7, 9, 10, 12, 14 y 15 are sold out. 

RIVER PLATE STADIUM. Av. Figueroa Alcorta 7597 

Tickets: www.livePass.com.ar 

Tuesday 20 

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISITED 

The American group, led by Stu Cook and Doug Clifford returns to Argentina. 

LUNA PARK STADIUM. Av. Corrientes & Bouchard 

Tickets: www.ticketportal.com.ar 

Saturday 24  - Sunday 25

MICHAEL BUBLE 

The Canadian artist will offer two shows in Buenos Aires as part of his Crazy Love Tour 

LUNA PARK STADIUM. Av. Corrientes & Bouchard 

Tickets: www.ticketportal.com.ar

Thursday 29
EMIR KUSTURICA
The Serbian movie director and musician Emir Kusturica will be back in Argentina to offer a show with his band The No Smoking Orchestra, as part of the tour "The Gypsies are back 2012".(Limited capacity of the room)
TEATRO COLEGIALES. Av. Federico Lacroze & Alvarez Thomas
Tickets: www.ticketek.com.ar

Saturday 31 

LOS AUTENTICOS DECADENTES

The fun Argentinian group offers a show in Buenos Aires celebrating its 25th anniversary 

LUNA PARK STADIUM. Av. Corrientes & Bouchard 

Tickets: www.ticketportal.com.ar

"Master de Pilotos" - Kart and race car exhibition on Avenida 9 de Julio

On Sunday, December 18th, 2011, starting at 6:00 pm, the seventh edition of "Master de Pilotos" will take place on Avenida 9 de Julio, near the Obelisco. This competition gathers the best drivers in the main racecar categories in Argentina.

16 drivers have confirmed their presence, to compete for the "Maestro de Maestros" crown: Matías Rossi, Leonel Pernía, Esteban Guerrieri, Emiliano Spataro, José María López, Norberto Fontana, Juan Manuel Silva, Gastón Mazzacane, Emanuel Moriatis, Mariano Werner, Fabián Yannantuoni, Agustín Canapino,. Juan Manuel “Cochito” López, Facundo Ardusso,Josito Di Palma and Mauro Giallombardo.

Apart from the race, the drivers will offer shows with TC, TC200, rally cars, among other activities, starting at 6:00pm.

Entrance is free.

Ballet performance by Iñaki Urlezaga at Manzana de Las Luces

The great Argentine dancer Iñaki Urlezaga, together with his company Ballet Concierto, presents a performance at La Manzana de las Luces, Peru 272, on Sunday, December 18th, 2011, at 8:00 pm.

Iñaki and his Ballet will be joined by Orquesta de Tango de La Plata, to present the special show "Siempre Buenos Aires". This show has been presented in Mexico, at the National Auditorium to more than 8,000 people, and at the Tribeca Theatre in New York, acclaimed with a standing ovation.

This production features a Tango choreography with the personal touch of Iñaki Urlezaga.

Free entrance.

70th Argentine Pato - Horseball Championship

The Final of the 70th Argentine Horseball Championship (Abierto Argentino de Pato), the most important tournament of this sport in Argentina, will take place on Sunday, December 18th, 2011 in Palermo.

The preliminary stages took place at the Campo Argentino de Pato, in Campo de Mayo (Buenos Aires), with the participation of the best players of our national sport. The final, on Sunday, December 18th, will be held at the Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo at 4:00 pm.

Horseball ("Pato") is a traditional Argentine equestrian sport, practiced since the beginning of the XVII century, and declared  as a Argentina's National Sport in 1953.
 
Campo Argentino de Polo: Av. del Libertador & Dorrego, Palermo. 
Tickets on sale at the stadium.

Candombe in the streets of Buenos Aires: "Llamada de Candombe de San Telmo"

On Saturday, December 17th, 2011, in the streets of San Telmo, between 3 PM and 10 PM, 20 carnival groups ("comparsas") with over 1,600 Argentinian and Uruguayan artists in their colorful costumes,  will present the "Llamada de Candombe de San Telmo", a parade of drums, music and dance. 

The "llamada" is traditional Uruguayan event in which the "comparsas" are called in to play the "candombe", a musical genre originated in Africa and brought to South American in the XVII and XVIII centuries by the African slaves.

At Pasaje San Lorenzo there will be 4 bonfires for the tuning of the drums, that will start at 3 PM.

The parade starts at Defensa & av. Independencia, and each of the 20 "comparsas" will take 1 hour to cover the 8 blocks until Defensa & Caseros, at the Amphitheater of Paque Lezama.

 

This event is totally free of charge.

In case of rain it will be postponed to Sunday 18th, on Bolivar Street.

Gran Milonga Nacional 2011 - Open Air Tango Dancing

"La Gran Milonga Nacional", an open air event with live orchestras and street tango dancing on Avenida de Mayo, will take place this year on Saturday, December 17th, 2011.

The celebration, which every year occupies that traditional Avenida de Mayo from Plaza de Mayo to 9 de Julio Av. is organized by the National Tango Academy and the Association of Promoters of Tourism, Hotel Business and Gastronomy (APTHGRA).

La Gran Milonga Nacional will start at 8:00 pm, with three central stages in the corners of Avenida de Mayo and Bernardo de Irigoyen, Piedras and Perú, and other smaller ones along the avenue, and the audience will be able to dance on the street to the music of live orchestras and singers.

Peugeot Argentina Tennis Cup 2011

The Argentina Tennis Cup, sponsored by Peugeot (Copa Argentina de Tenis Peugeot 2011), will be  played this year from December 15th to December 18th, 2011. The matches will take place on the central court of Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club, the traditional venue for Argentine Tennis.

This ninth edition of the Peugeot Argentina Tennis Cup will have the presence of some of the best national and international tennis players:

• David Nalandian
• Fernando Gonzale
• Juan Carlos Ferrero
• Gael Monfils
• Eduardo Shwank
• Marcos Bagdhatis

On the last day of the tournament, Gaston Gaudio will play his farewell match against Mariano Zabaleta.

The Super Six format will be implemented again in this tournament:

• Six participants
• Two zones of 3
• Double elimination

Dates: December 15, 16, 17, 18, 2011, 7:00 PM

Location: Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club, Av. Olleros 1510, Palermo.

Tickets: On sale through Ticketek Argentina www.ticketek.com.ar

International Artisans' Fair at La Rural

At the International Artisans' Fair ("Feria Internacional de Artesanias de Buenos Aires") over 500 craftsmen from Argentina and Latin America will show their talent, creativity and skills, with live demonstrations of their work.

Individual artisans, official entities and delegations from the different Argentine provinces and neighboring countries will exhibit and offer their hand crafted pieces, while sharing their techniques and knowledge with the public.

A unique opportunity for visitors to purchase exclusive handicraft pieces at the best prices, while learning about cultural and artistic expressions from Argentina and Latin America.

Dates: December 6 through December 11, 2011.
Location: La Rural Exhibition Center. Av. Sarmiento 2704
Opening hours: 3 PM to 10 PM
Entry fee: AR$ 20. Children under 8, free

More information: Feria Internacional de Artesanias official website.