350 years of La Manzana de las Luces


Manzana de las Luces is the name of the historic block of buildings comprised by the streets Alsina, Moreno, Bolivar and Peru, in the neighborhood of San Telmo. It has historically been, and still is, home to major historical, cultural, educational and religious institutions. 
One of its most outstanding features is the presence of a mysterious and enigmatic network of tunnels built between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. They formed a network linking through the underground, five meters deep, churches, public buildings and the Fort.
All the Manzana de las Luces has been protected as a National Historic Monument for the number of foundational events that occurred there, for the relevance of its architectural heritage, and for hosting numerous institutions that were born within its walls through nearly four centuries of history. 
To celebrate the 350th anniversary of this important landmark, a number of activities have been programmed for Saturday, November 19th, 2011 (main entrance on Peru 272). 

PROGRAM: 

a) Patio de la Procuraduría
6:00 pm: Regimiento de Patricios marching band 
6:30 pm: Lyrical concert - “Lirica Lado B” 
7:00 pm Suiteof Gluck’s Opera Alceste, Chamber Orchestra of San Telmo 
7: 40 pm: “Achaiva da Ponte”, Celtic Music 
8.30 pm: Live music and cinema 
9:00 pm: Toba Rock 
10.30 pm: Latin salsa “Ojala” 
11.30 pm: Melodic rock “Chinelas Persas” 
In the intervals, theatrical representations of facts in the Argentine history 

b) House of Representatives 
7.00 pm and 
8:30 pm: “A JOURNEY IN TIME”, theatrical staging of our history 
10:30 pm: “Ars Continua” 
11:30 pm: Theatrical play 

In other spaces: Exhibition of works from the “Manzana de las Luces contest”, tango lessons, permanent art collection, theater.

International Show Jumping Competition Haras El Capricho 2011

The 13th International Show Jumping Competition CSIOW Haras El Capricho will take place on November 23- 27, 2011, in the town of Capilla del Señor, 80 km North of  Buenos Aires. This is one of the most important Show Jumping competitions in Latin America, sponsored by the Argentine Equestrian Federation and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
The contest will take place in 2 of the 4 international level courses of El Capricho, with fences brought specially from the Olympic games.

The most important events in the competion are:

Friday, November 25: Nations Cup
Saturday, November 26: Speed Derby
Sunday, November 27: World Cup Competition/Grand Prize

As every year, there will be live music shows at the stage located next to the main jumping course. On Saturday, November 26, Teen Angels, and on Sunday, November 27, at 12 noon, Los Tekis will be presenting a show with free entrance.

Haras El Capricho has top level infrastructure and services to enjoy a nice day in the countryside for the whole family:
  • Nursery: playground and care takers for toddlers
  • Food court: "parrilla", pizza, ice cream, kiosks.
  • Exclusive stores: official merchandising, saddleries, equestrian art.
  • VIP lounge: for 500 special guests.
  • Free parking with security
  • 2 roofed grandstands
All the activities are free of charge, and are not suspended for rain.

For more information, online results, general rules and courses of the competition, access map, and schedules, visit Haras El Capricho official website.
Don´t miss the opportunity of attending this world class event. Contact me if you want to  arrange for  private transportation.

Jacaranda trees paint Buenos Aires in blue


As every in November, springtime in Buenos Aires, the city is full of lavender clouds of jacaranda trees in bloom. They are all over the city, making this time of the year a special one to admire these beautiful trees.
The first specimen of jacarandá, 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 it was then spread all over the city for its ornamental value in the different plantation programs. Some of the most beautiful specimens can be admired in Plaza San Martin, the Botanical Garden, along Avenida Figueroa Alcorta and Avenida Libertador, Plaza Italia, Plaza Alemania, Recoleta.
Those who visit Buenos Aires in November will be lucky to witness this beautiful natural spectacle, and for those who can´t visit during this month, here are some of my recent pictures:








2011 Christmas Fair at the British Ambassador's Residence

The Brithsh Community Council in Argentina (ABCC) presents the 2011 "Christmas Fair", that will be held on Saturday, November 12th, 2011, in the Gardens of the British Ambassador's Residence in Buenos Aires, located in Gelly y Obes 2333, Recoleta, from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

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

ID must be presented at the door for entrance. Donation: $ 10 Pesos. Children under 10: Free. 
In case of rain it will be postponed to Saturday 19th.
For more information, visit ABCC website.