This holiday is one of the most important for Argentinians. Every May 25th, they celebrate the anniversary of Argentina's soverenity. In 1810, a junta took over from the Spanish viceroyalty, and the country declared independence from Spain.
May Week
May Week, which lasted from May 18 to May 25, 1810, was the most crucial period in Argentinian history, a chain of events that led to the May Revolution and independence from Spain. On 14 May 1810, the people of Buenos Aires learned from the schooner, which arrived from Europe, about the invasion of Seville by the French Army. On January 23, 1810, Madrid surrendered, and Joseph Bonaparte took over the throne. As a result, the legitimacy of Viceroy Cisneros, who had been appointed by the junta, was challenged. On May 25, the independent Primera Junta was established. Cornelio Saavedra became the first head of state and president of the Primera Junta. Celebration of National Day on May 25th marks the formation of the first national government in Argentina after achieving independence.
How to Celebrate
Traditionally, local people celebrate their independence day in a big way—with marches and concerts, public rallies, and meetings. From the early morning, all the streets are engulfed by a boisterous crowd of thousands of people that take part in the demonstration. These events typically go late into the evening.
A special mass is also conducted at the churches, and plays are staged in the Colon Theater in the capital city of Buenos Aires. Usually, Argentinians prepare traditional cuisine on this day in acknowledgment of their ancestors who made it through the revolution. The celebrations last until midnight with music, fireworks, and other festive activities.
Festive Foods
Día de la Revolución de Mayo is a great occasion for families and friends to get together and enjoy a hearty meal. Traditional foods prepared on this day include locro (a thick squash stew), empanadas (baked pastry with meat filling), pastelitos (another kind of pastry), and cordero al palo (lamb). A traditional Argentine BBQ (asado) is also a popular option with an impressive variety of meat dishes, like bife ancho (rib eye steak), vaacio (flank steak), tira de asado(short ribs), and lomo (beef tenderloin). Meat is served with chimichurri, a green sauce made with herbs, garlic, oil, and vinegar. And don't forget about mouthwatering desserts, like dulce de leche, flan, alfajores, and conitos.
