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:

All the events are free of charge.

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).

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

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.