The Final of the 77th Argentine Pato (Horseball) Championship (Abierto Argentino de Pato), the most important tournament of this sport in Argentina, will take place on Saturday, December 22nd, 2018 at Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo, at 4.00 PM, with the participation of the two best teams of our National Sport, El Siasgo Vetifarma vs. General Las Heras La Blanquita Agropharma.

Pato (Horseball) is a traditional Argentine equestrian sport, practiced since the beginning of the XVII century, and declared as Argentina's National Sport in 1953. "Pato" is an exciting game that combines polo and basketball, and in which two teams made up of 4 players each, by a series of passes and combinations to elude their adversaries, try to introduce the "Pato" (Duck) through a vertical ring. The rings, located at the center of each end of the field, are 1 meter (3.3 ft) diameter, and are located on 2.4 m (7.9 ft) high poles. The "Pato" is a ball with six handles. The player that is in possession of the "Pato" must hold it and ride with his right arm extended, offering the rivals the opportunity to steal it.

Pato is a similar, but earlier version, of the game of Horseball played in France, Portugal, and other countries.

The Campo Argentino de Polo is located on Av. del Libertador & Dorrego, Palermo. 

Photo: Teatro Colon

The third edition of Sabor USA Argentina Food Week, a gastronomic event that celebrates the best of the contemporary American cuisine, will be held in Buenos Aires from December 8th to December 15th, 2018. 

More than 70 restaurants in the cities of Buenos Aires, Cordoba, San Juan and Rosario, will offer menus at special prices representing the typical dishes of the USA, this  year inspired in the Miami food scene, a city known by the diversity and mix of flavors of its gastronomy.

American and Argentine chefs will offer the opportunity to enjoy classics like Buffalo chicken wings,  Pork Tomahawk, Hamburgers, apple pie, New York style cheesecake, Carrot cake, and much more!

Sabor USA Argentina Food Week is organized by the American Embassy in Argentina and the Association of Hotels, Restaurants, and Coffee shops. 

Click here to see all the participating restaurants and menus (all prices are in Argentine Pesos).

British Ambassador's Residence

The British Community Council in Argentina (ABCC) presents the annual "Christmas Fair", that will be held on Saturday, December 8th, 2018, in the Gardens of the British Ambassador's Residence in Buenos Aires, with entrance on Newton 2575, Recoleta, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

This charity event is a great opportunity to purchase all your Christmas presents at the Artisans' Fair, while spending a nice day with the whole family, enjoying the visit of Santa Claus, Santa's Elves, Carroll Singing, raffles, surprises, and much more. Food and beverages will be available.

ID must be presented at the door for entrance.

To be suspended in case of rain.

For more information, visit the ABCC website.

"La Gran Milonga Nacional", an open air event with live orchestras and street tango dancing along Avenida de Mayo, which is transformed for one night into a giant dance floor, will take place on Saturday, December 8th, 2018.

This fantastic event, which every year occupies the 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), in honor of the National Tango Day which is celebrated on December 11th.

La Gran Milonga Nacional will start at 8:00 pm, and will last until 3 am, with three central stages in the corners of Avenida de Mayo with Bernardo de Irigoyen, Piedras and Perú, and other smaller ones along the avenue, where the audience will be able to dance on the street to the music of live Tango orchestras, with their dancers and singers, including the orchestras La Juan D´Arienzo, Los Herederos del Compás, “Típica De Angelis”, “Varela Tango”, “Piazzola Tango Show”, “Cuarteto Mulenga”, “Típica Suburbana” and “Canyengue”,

Free entrance. Suspended in case of rain.

The sixth edition of the gastronomic, artistic and cultural festival "Al Dente! Día de la Italianidad en Argentina" will be held on Saturday, December 8th, from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM and Sunday, December 9th, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, in the neighborhood of Colegiales, next to the Flea Market on Av. Dorrego and Enrique Martínez, with free access to the public. 

Several musical shows will be presented all day during the weekend at the main stage. This year the Cosmic Vegan Fest, which started in Italy in 2013, will be present at the Festival with healthy activities.

All visitors are invited to bring a toy, that will be donated as a Christmas gift for the oncology patients at the Children's Hospitals Pedro Elizalde, Juan P. Garrahan and Ricardo Gutiérrez. The toys must be wrapped but they cannot include any stuffed toys or play dough since these are not authorized for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The most important polo tournament in the world, the 125th Argentine Polo Open Championship (Abierto Argentino de Polo), or simply "El Abierto", will kick off on Saturday, November 17th, 2018, with its thrilling Final to be played on December 15th. This tournament, held every year at the Cathedral of Polo, the Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo (Av. del Libertador & Dorrego), brings together the best polo players in the world, and it is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in the international polo calendar. It´s also one of the main social events in Buenos Aires, with it's famous "after polo" and musical shows every night.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketek Argentina. Tickets may also be available on the same day of each match at the stadium's box office, except on the final dates which may get sold out in advance.

Don´t miss the opportunity of attending this world class event. Contact me through this Contact Form to inquire about special VIP HOSPITALITY PACKAGES, Polo Day Experience including specialized guide, or if you need help getting your tickets in advance.

Participating teams:

League A

A new edition of the Gourmet Festival “Apetito” will take place on Saturday November 24th, from 12.00 Noon to 2.00 AM and Sunday November 25th from 12.00 Noon to 12.00 AM, at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo (Av. del Libertador & Dorrego).

The best cooks and beer brewers will get together with more than 30 food trucks offering hamburgers, crepes, pulled, pork, bagels, Mexican food, empanadas, fish, vegetarian food, pizzas, smoothies, hot dogs, ice cream, coffee, artisan beer, cocktails and drinks, and much more!

On Saturday 24th at 5.00 PM visitors will also be able to watch live on a Giant Screen the Superclásico futbol match River Plate vs Boca Junios for the Final of Copa Libertadores 2018 (no futbol shirts will be allowed at the venue).

On Sunday 25th from 2.00 pm to 9.00 pm visitors will have the chance to enjoy the horse races of the day.

It is that time of the year again, when the city gets painted in lavender blue. The beautiful Jacaranda trees in bloom can be found all over the city from mid November to early December, making this the most beautiful time of the year to visit Buenos Aires and admire this wonderful spectacle of nature.

The first specimen of Jacaranda, a tree original from the North-west of Argentina, was planted in Buenos Aires in 1875 with the inauguration of the 3 de Febrero Park, and since then it has been spread all over the city for its ornamental value in the different plantation programs.

Some of the most beautiful specimens of Jacaranda trees can be admired in Plaza San Martin; along Avenida Figueroa Alcorta; Avenida Libertador near Plaza Francia (Recoleta); Plaza Italia; Plaza Alemania; Plaza de Mayo, Plaza Congreso, Palermo Parks, the Rose Garden, and many streets, avenues and parks across the city.

Enjoy the sights!

A big festival celebrating the culture and traditions of the foreign communities that live in the city of Buenos Aires will be held on Sunday, November 25th, 2018 at the park Facundo Quiroga, next to the Rose Garden (Av. Sarmiento & Figueroa Alcorta), with free access to the public, from 11.00 AM to 7.00 PM.

More than 40 different communities that reside in Buenos Aires will offer their typical dances, food, music and culture, in an event for the whole family. 

San Pedro Telmo

On Saturday, November 24th 2018 locals and visitors will have the chance to discover the diverse religious cults that are practiced in Argentina. The main religious in temples in the city will open their doors, showing their customs and traditions, for free and without previous registration.

Starting from 8 pm and until midnight these sacred places will show the public their cultural, artistic and religious patrimony, reflecting the spirituality of their communities.  In the case of entrance to Muslim temples it is required to have shoulders and knees covered for both sexes.

There will also be music concerts, talks, workshops, tasting of different typical dishes, and many other special activities. All the information on these activities can be downloaded from this link.

Guided visits:  Accompanied by a guide (in Spanish) through different circuits visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the works of art and history of each participating temple. All the Circuits will start at 8:30 pm from each starting point. Visitors must arrive 15 minutes in advance, and respect the customs of each cult and the requisites of each temple.

Belgrano 1
Starting point: Buddhist Monastery Fo Guang Shan (Av. Crámer 1733). To visit next:, Belgrano Parrish - Evangelic Church of the Río de la Plata, Lutheran Congregation La Cruz de Cristo.

Belgrano 2
Starting point:  Presbyterian Church Dr. Smith Memorial (Conesa 2216). To visit next: Buenos Aires reformed Church; Asociación Religiosa Cultural NCI Emmanuel.

Palermo

Starting point: Parrish Nuestra Señora de la Consolación (Av. Raúl Scalabrini Ortiz 1073). To visit next: Evangelical Baptist Church“El Rey Jesús”, Apostolic Armenian Cathedral San Gregorio El Iluminador.

Centro Norte 1
Starting point: Anglican Cathedral San Juan Bautista (25 de mayo 276). To visit next: Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires, Parroquia Centro - Evangelic Church of Río de la Plata.

Centro Norte 2
Starting point: Basilica del Santísimo Sacramento (San Martín 1039). To visit next: San Marón Cathedral - Maronite Catholic Eparchy. Christian Center Nueva Vida.

Centro Norte 3

Starting point: Parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Victorias (Paraguay 1204). To visit next: Libertad Temple - Israelite Congregation of the Argentine Republic.

San Telmo
Starting point: Centro Cristiano Príncipe de Paz (Bolivar 975). To visit next: Danish Church, Parrish San Pedro González Telmo. 

The main producers of organic and healthy food in Argentina will gather once again, this time for a night edition of the traditional Buenos Aires Market, on Friday, November 23rd and Saturday, November 24th, 2018, from 5.00 pm to 12.00 am, with free access to the public.

Visitors will have the opportunity to taste free samples and buy at promotional prices natural foods and beverages in an area specially located at Parque Las Heras located on Av. Las Heras & Coronel Díaz. 

More than 60 gazebos will be installed inside the park, where the participating producers will offer organic and natural products such as Oils; Alcoholic drinks (organic wines, beers); Soft drinks and natural juices; Cereals and seeds; Spices; Nuts; Fruits & Vegetables; Farm produce; Delicatessen; Gourmet food; Flour and derivatives; Mushrooms; Infusions; Vegetables; Dairy; Bakery; Jams; edible Flowers; Pasta; Herbs; Snacks, and more.

More than 10 food trucks will be offering special menus for visitors and healthy food to go or to enjoy right there on the communal tables of this picturesque market.

In case of rain the Fair will be reprogrammed for December 14-15.

Consult on Buenos Aires Market website for any change of schedule.

MATEAR, the only Fair dedicated exclusively to the world of Mate, organized by the National Institute of Yerba Mate (INYM) will take place on Friday 9th, Saturday 10th (Tradition Day) and Sunday 11th of November 2018 at La Rural Exhibition Center, with free entrance to the public.

During these three days visitors will have the chance learn and discover everything about Argentina's national infusion with talks, lessons and workshops, and find all the products necessary to prepare a good mate:

Yerba Mate: purchase and taste yerba mate directly from the producers, and even get some brands that cannot be found at the supermarkets; discover the many different uses of Yerba mate in gastronomy and drinks; find promotions and offers.

Accessories: thermos holders, mate bags, yerba and sugar containers, bombillas and mate gourds made with all kinds of different materials. 

Snacks and cookies: delicious cookies and alfajores to accompany your Mate.

Mate Court: a special place to seat and enjoy some mates with family and friends.

Location: La Rural. Av. Santa Fe & Av. Sarmiento

Dates and hours:

Friday November 9: 12 pm to 8 pm

Saturday November 10 and Sunday November 11: 11 am to 8 pm

Free entrance

More information: http://matear.com.ar/

The second edition of San Telmo Fest will take place on Saturday, November 10th, from 6.00 PM to 2.00 AM, with a varied offer of cultural activities that characterize this cosmopolitan and bohemian neighborhood.

Visitors will enjoy open air milonga and candombe music and dance, concerts, book fairs, art exhibitions, gastronomic offers, as well as visits to museums and historical sites that will also be part of the Museum Night that will be taking place on that same day.

The main producers of organic and healthy food in Argentina will gather again in a street market in Buenos Aires, on Saturday November 17th and Sunday, November 18th, 2018, from 10 am to 7 pm, with free access to the public.

The "Gran Premio Nacional" (GI), the oldest and most important race in the Argentine turf calendar, will take place on Saturday, November 10th, 2018, at Hipodromo Argentino de Palermo, Av. Libertador & Dorrego.

On October 5, 1884, the Hipodrómo Argentino de Palermo inaugurated what would become the most important race in the yearly calendar, the Gran Premio Nacional. This great prize is also known as the "Argentine Derby".  This outstanding 2500-meter race is very attractive for the public since due to the distance the start is located facing the grandstands. Other classics (GI) are included in the day's schedule: Gran Premio Hipódromo de Palermo and Gran Premio Maipu.

The Great Prize "Gran Premio Nacional" will be the center of a spectacular journey that will start at 11:30 am, with different activities for the whole family, such as:

° "Behind the scenes" of horse racing: a guided tour led by specialized guides, that will be available every 30 minutes, from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm.
° Historic tour: every hour from 2 pm to 5 pm, a tour to learn about the history and architecture of one of the most emblematic sites in the city of Buenos Aires.
° Train to the Start Line: a little train will take visitors near the gates to see the start of the races up close.

NOTICE: APETITO FESTIVAL GOURMET HAS BEEN CANCELED FOR BAD WEATHER FORECTAST AND REPROGRAMMED FOR NOVEMBER 24th AND 25th

At the same time, a new edition of the gourmet festival “Apetito” will take place on Saturday, November 10th from 12 noon to 2 am, and will continue on Sunday November 11th, from noon to 12 am.

The best cooks and beer brewers will get together along the racing track, with entrance through Av. Dorrego and Av. Libertador, with over 30 food trucks offering waffles, ribs, crepes, wraps, pizzas, smoothies, hot dogs, ice cream, coffee, vegetarian options, and much more!

The Ministry of Culture of the City of Buenos Aires presents the 15th Edition of La Noche de los Museos - Museum Night 2018, that will take place on Saturday November 10th, 2018, from 8 PM until 3 AM.

Every year since 2004 one Saturday night the museums of Buenos Aires stay open all night offering different cultural activities, all of them free of charge, in the same way as in other 130 cities around the world.

Over 280 museums and art spaces all across the city will be participating in this edition. During this special night visitors will be able to enjoy free guided visits, special exhibitions, as well as conferences, shows, theater performances, dance, screenings, video, multimedia, and diverse concerts of classical music, jazz, tango, folk, and rock.

More than 80 bus lines will offer free rides during the night, presenting the Free Pass that can be printed through this link.

For more information and complete program, visit La Noche de los Museos official website or download the full program and Map in PDF or the App for smartphones (sites in Spanish only).

Between November 14th and November 19th, 2018, the International Festival BUENOS AIRES JAZZ 2018 (BAJ.18) presents a program of concerts by national and international artists, offering the best of jazz in all its forms.

The opening night at Usina del Arte, on Wednesday, November 14th, at 8.30 pm, will be starred by the legendary British artist Norma Winstone, along with two Italian musicians of proven quality, Glauco Venier (piano) and German Klaus Gesing (soprano sax and bass clarinet).

The closing concert will be held at the same venue on November 19th, at 8.30 pm, with Stefano Di Battista‘s quartet. He is accompanied by Andrea Rea (piano), Daniele Sorrentino (double bass) and Luigi Del Prete (drums). Their live performance promises musical moments of the highest quality and brings this great local celebration of jazz to a proper close.

The program of BAJ.18 will be divided into different sections, among them:

° International Concerts: by Sylvie Courvoisier, David Kikoski, Glauco Venier, Dan Tepfer y Gregory Privat, among others.

° Chamber Jazz Concerts: held at the Chamber Hall of Usina del Arte.

° Open Air concerts: In this edition the Open Air concerts held at the Amphitheater of Parque Centenario. Parque Lezama and Usina del Arte will include the Jazzology series; Malosetti & La Colonia, Luis Salinas, Ligia Piro, Estévez&Magic3, Celebrating Ella & Louis Cuarteto, among others.

° "El Aula" (The Classroom): open classes, clinics, workshops and ensemble classes.

VENUES:

Usina del Arte: Av. Pedro de Mendoza y Caffarena

Anfiteatro del Parque Centenario: Av. Ángel Gallardo y Leopoldo Marechal

Teatro Colón Golden Hall: Libertad 611 

Café Vinilo: Gorriti 3780

Thelonious Club: J. Salguero 1884

Bebop Club: Moreno 364
Julian Centeya Cultural Center: Av. San Juan 3255

TICKETS:

Paid concerts and workshops:
For the Opening and Closing concerts, Piano Solos, Crossings and The Classroom, you can purchase your tickets as of Monday, November 5th, online at buenosaires.gob.ar/festivales or in person at:

Tu Entrada, Av. Corrientes 728
Weekdays from 10 am to 8 pm and Saturdays from 2 to 8 pm.

Usina del Arte, Agustín R. Caffarena 1
Wednesday 14th, from 5 pm to 9 pm
Thursday 15th, from 12 noon to 8 pm
Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th and Monday 19th from 12 noon to 9 pm

Free concerts at Usina del Arte and Cultural Centers:

For the concerts and activities held at the following venues: Usina del Arte, Espacio Cultural Adán Buenosayres, Espacio Cultural Julián Centeya, Espacio Cultural Resurgimiento, Espacio Cultural Carlos Gardel and Museo del Cine, reserve your ticket online at buenosaires.gob.ar/festivales.
Limited to 1 (one) ticket per person per show.
Reserved tickets can be collected from 2 (two) hours before the event at each venue’s Information Desk.
Reservations will be valid until 30 minutes before the start of the show. After that time, the tickets will be released to the public.

Admission to activities and concerts held at the following venues: Plaza de la Usina, Amphitheater of Parque Centenario, Amphitheater of Parque Lezama is free, and no ticket is required.
It is on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to venue capacity.

For more information, purchase of tickets and daily schedules, visit Buenos Aires Jazz 18 official website.

Organized by the Argentine Antiquarian Bookstores' Association (ALADA), the XII Antiquarian Book Fair will take place from November 7th through November 11th, 2018, at CCK Cultural Center, Sarmiento 151, with free entrance to the public.

This annual event emphasizes the highly valuable cultural heritage of antique books, manuscripts, documents, engravings, maps and photographs available in the antiquarian bookstores of Buenos Aires, placing the city in an outstanding position among other cities where similar fairs are held, like Paris, Madrid, New York, or Milan.

A the Fair visitors will be able to appreciate and purchase a varied selection of antique books in different languages, historical documents, maps and photographs, primitive Argentine prints, first editions, and a great amount of diverse, carefully selected printed material.

Dates and hours:
Wednesday 7, Thursday 8, Friday 9: 2 PM to 8 PM
Saturday 10: 4 PM to 10 PM
Sunday 11: 3 PM to 8 PM

Location: Sarmiento 151, Buenos Aires

Free entrance