July 5th, 2009
The siesta is a tradition in many cultures and while the word “seista” is Spanish, from the Latin hora sexta or “the sixth hour” counting from dawn (making it the noon hour), the tradition of a midday nap actually has roots in Islam and is mentioned in the Koran. Romans also observed siesta and like Islam, siesta was focused more on health needs. But it was the Spaniards who centuries ago were credited with long midday rest to relieve farm workers from sun during the hottest part of the day.
Today, siesta is common in most Latin countries and can last from 2 to 4 hours. Since relief from midday sun isn’t always a real need, in many places the tradition of siesta has evolved into one that focuses on spending time with family. In San Rafael, Argentina, for instance, the entire town begins to shut down around noon and some businesses may not reopen until 4 or 5pm. During this long break, children come home from school, parents come home from work, a big lunch is prepared (often accompanied by wine) and then the entire family naps.
But because the observance of a long siesta makes for a much longer workday (consider that returning to work at 4pm would result in a workday that may not end until 9pm) and to accommodate international business practices, Spain eliminated the extended siesta for government workers in 2006.
However, studies do prove that a short nap during the day is very beneficial for our health and while we may not need 2 to 4 hours of rest, the tradition certainly has it’s appeal.
Categories: Argentina, Uncategorized |
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July 4th, 2009
For more than 100 years, Buenos Aires has been the heart of the tango and while the dance is universally embraced today and regarded with glamor and elegance, such was not always the case.
While some accounts trace the origins of the tango to a country dance of 17th Century England, most recognize it’s evolution into the dance we know today as beginning in the late 1800’s. During this time, immigrants from Africa, Europe and ports unknown found their way to the outskirts of Buenos Aires and lived in conventillos (large houses inhabited by several families). It was here in the underbelly of the thriving city that the emotion and expression of the tango made it’s debut and interestingly, the dance was deemed obscene by upper society.
But disdain for the tango wouldn’t last. When Ricardo Guiraldes, a respected upper-class poet from Argentina, toured Europe in 1910, he endeared the fashionable Parisians to the tango with a poem called “Tango” accompanied by a tango performance. This would mark the beginning of many latin dance crazes to sweep Europe, and with the favourable reception of the tango by high society Parisians, Argentine high society saw this dance in a new light.
Since then, the Tango has morphed and evolved in both musicality and dance style. For example, there is a striking difference between Argentine tango and ballroom tango. While ballroom tango has the partners arching their upper bodies away from each other and maintaining contact at the hip, Argentine tango is nearly the opposite with dancers’ upper bodies being closer than the hips and heads touching or nearly touching. Then there is salon tango which is characterized by slow, measured, and fluid moves with a close but flexible embrace and with the walk being the most significant element of the dance. And mention must be made of Gotan Project, a Parisian band whose tango-based music is layered with electronic beats and heavily influenced by house music.
Today the tango has experienced a resurgence in popularity with younger generations and a visit to Buenos Aires reveals tango being performed in parks and plazas during the day 
and at dinner shows in the evenings. It is well worth the time to experience a dinner show where guests are not only dazzled by the tango performances (often accompanied by traditional gaucho dancing and a variety of musical solo exhibitions), but also enjoy an amazing culinary experience.
Visit this site for more information about tango dinner shows in Buenos Aires: www.argentina-tango.net For a more intimate environment, we recommend the Gala Tango show. If you’re lucky, you’ll get Nestar as your waiter…and be prepared for a steak the size of a softball!
Categories: Argentina |
Tags: Argentina, buenos aires, tango | No Comments
