A wide variety of national holidays and celebrations take place throughout the year in Argentina. Many of the traditional holidays are ingrained in the culture of the country and are celebrated in different ways in different areas.
National holidays are usually celebrated on a Monday; the holiday usually moves to the closest Monday if it falls on a different day of the week.
Religion
Religious holidays form the backbone of the Argentine national holiday calendar. Most Argentines are Roman Catholic, and many holidays revolve around Christian religious days.
The Argentine celebration of Easter includes a two-week festival at the beginning of Lent called Carnaval, similar to Mardi Gras. In December, Argentines celebrate Christmas, as well as Immaculate Conception Day, or Virgins Day, on Dec. 8.
Independence
Several holidays celebrate the independence of Argentina and the people who fought for independence from Spanish rule. May 25 is celebrated for the May Revolution of 1810, marking the establishment of the first government of Argentina after independence was declared.
Independence Day is celebrated July 9, marking the anniversary of Argentina’s declaration of independence. St. Martin’s Day, honoring Argentine hero Jose de San Martin, is celebrated Aug. 16.Other holidays
Malvinas Day is celebrated April 2 and is classified as Veterans Day. Malvinas Day also marks the failed 1982 invasion of the disputed Malvinas, or Falkland Islands, whose sovereignty is disputed by Argentina and the United Kingdom.
A celebration of the Argentine flag is held annually on June 21. Argentines celebrate Columbus Day on October 11, not only for the discovery of the Americas but also for Columbus’ declaration to bring civilization to the Americas.