4. C l i m a t e The north is subtropical with rain throughout the year, while the Tierra del Fuego in the south has a sub-arctic climate. The main central area is temperate, but can be hot and humid during summer (December to February) and cool in winter.
5. Required Clothing European clothes for the main central area. Lightweight cottons and linens in the north. Warm clothes are necessary in the south and during winter months in the central area. Waterproofing is advisable for all areas.
10. “ Alpargatas” Espadrille Leather Jackets Group from a neighbourhood sport club School Dining-room
11. Marriage & Family Most couples marry in their 20s, after dating for a number of years. Weddings are usually very elaborate, involving both a civil and a church ceremony and a large reception with dinner and dancing. Gifts are not brought to the reception but are purchased at and delivered by a gift shop where the couple has registered. The nuclear family predominates in Argentina. Grown children commonly live in the same city or town as their parents. Responsibility for raising children falls mostly on women, who exert great influence on family decisions. An increasing number of women are working outside the house. Divorce has steadily increased since it was legalized in 1987.
12. Eating Argentines eat more beef per capita than any other people in the world. Because Argentina is a major beef producer, domestic prices are low enough for most people to eat beef every day. Some of the popular foods are empanadas and milanesas. A preferred winter stew is locro that is made of meat, maize, and potatoes. The government and health officials are encouraging people to stop eating so much beef for health reasons. Dulce de leche is caramelized milk, an Argentinian specialty and a popular sweet. Mate is a popular hot drink which is similar to tea. Italian and French foods are also available. Traditionally the main meal is in the middle of the day, but many of those who work in cities now have it in the evening which is usually after 9 pm. European customs influence the eating habits and table manners. People hold their forks with the left hand. Eating in the street or on public transportation is considered inappropriate and disrespectful.
13. Socializing When people are being introduced, it is customary to address people by a title such as Señor which means "Mr." or Señora which obviously means "Mrs." and people may or may not shake hands. A brief embrace with a kiss on the cheek is a common greeting between women or between a man and woman who are well known to each other. The Spanish ¡Buenos días! ("Good morning"-¡Buen día! in Buenos Aires) or ¡Buenas tardes! ("Good afternoon") are appropriate terms when passing on the street or greeting friends. Chau and hasta luego are very common phrases for goodbye. When approaching officials for information, one should always greet them before asking any questions. Eye contact is considered very important and it is not unusual for Argentines to stand close in conversation or to touch each other. Argentines often visit friends and relatives without prior arrangement. People enjoy having guests in the home and usually offer them refreshments such as espresso-style coffee, tea, or mate. Drinking mate is an important cultural tradition. There is a relaxed attitude toward punctuality and even if guests arrive as much as an hour after the stated time, it is unlikely to cause offense.
14. Recreation Football is the national sport and is enjoyed by children and adults alike. Other popular sports include rugby, tennis, and golf. Field hockey is popular among women. The Teatro Colón is a fine opera house and it is located in Buenos Aires, as are many late-night theaters, restaurants and clubs. Dancing at clubs is popular among young people on weekends and people usually stay late at night.
15. Holidays & Celebrations Holidays in Argentina are generally opportunities to gather with one’s family. New Year’s Day is celebrated on 1 January with fireworks. Maundy Thursday which is the Thursday before Easter, celebrates Jesus Christ’s Last Supper commandment to love one another-"maundy" is derived from "mandate". Maundy Thursday also commemorates the institution of the Eucharist. Argentines also celebrate Good Friday (the Friday preceding Easter), and Easter Sunday. The death of General José de San Martín, known as "the Liberator" of Peru, Chile, and Argentina for his defeat of the Spanish, is remembered on 17 August. Columbus’s "discovery" of America is celebrated on 12 October. The Immaculate Conception (8 December) celebrates the Roman Catholic belief that Mary’s soul was preserved free from original sin, and, finally, Argentines celebrate Christmas Day on 25 December with fireworks and also among other festivities. Girls have a special celebration for their 15th birthday, or cumpleaños de quince, which is said to signify their entrance into adulthood. The celebration is known as the quinceañero.
