In Argentina, there is a cruel University system, that, apart from encouraging college careers that commonly stretch for over 10 years (for a bachelors degree), plants an entire month of studying and exams in the absolute coldest and most sweltering months of the year; December/ January and July/August. Old buddies Queja and Exaggeration get together and make passing an exam the most impossible feat known to mankind and the weather becomes worthy of a panic attack. The University exams have a surprisingly depressing effect on the general society and of course increasing the queja. Why? Firstly, the majority of the citizens can and do attend free Universities so more people are taking part in the month long ‘hell’, and because the student population is so large due to the fact that the average student graduates is 7 or 8 years, not 4, for a basic degree. (Some people would take this as a sign and imagine that Argentineans just do not want to grow up. I think that is probably true, but that is also what makes Buenos Aires and its inhabitants so youthful and uncompromising.)
One key social group that cannot go without mention during the “holiday” season is the wealthy upper class. While the rest of the Porteños resent them, the rich families are important because they show us foreigners how to appreciate winter and celebrate Spring Day in style. The chetos or high-class, welcome spring by lowering the central heating in their mansion, pulling out their fancy cars, and moving their tennis matches to outdoor courts. This might not sound very exciting – why should it be? These families just got back from wonderful ski vacations surrounded by some of the Earth’s most beautiful landscapes.
Having the luxury to escape the gray winter in the city is one that very few citizens have. Those that do have that luxury will travel to Bariloche or Mendoza to go skiing and then warm-up in their in-suite Jacuzzi.
For the children of these families, Children’s Day represents the receiving of presents that can be enjoyed outside by their pool or tennis court.
For the rest of us- travelers, expats, and backpackers, we too relish the return of the hot Buenos Aires sun and revival of the ‘buena onda.’ This common phrase means good vibes and represents the true spirit of Buenos Aires. As spring approaches, cranky servers are more patient, days are longer, and tourists can take full advantage of the Buenos Aires’ wonderful alfresco society.
As different social classes and age groups are focused on their own daily regimen, they all lighten up with the anticipation of spring and look forward to September 21 when all Porteños welcome the season with an energetic sense of progress and spirit. This is a national holiday- no school, no work. Families get together and celebrate with an asado, or BBQ. For the crowded University group, the plan is a little different.
Dia de la Primavera also happens to be Dia del Estudiante, or Student’s Day. It is the first national holiday of the school year and certainly enjoyed. All of the bubbling anticipation of spring erupts into one of Buenos Aires’ most reckless and hilarious parties of the year. Classmates spend this day partying hard in beautiful plazas, singing, getting drunk. Luckily, the ‘buena onda’ runs rampant and foreigners can join in on these festivities. Porteños love to make new acquaintances and show foreigners how it is done.
For the taxi driver, the med student, the desperate housewife, and wide-eyed foreigners, spring has arrived, the queja takes a temporary pause, and this fantastic city is alive again after a freezing, painful, bone-chillingly exaggerated winter. Back
Spring Gets Buenos Aires into its Groove.
Read the complete Buenos Aires Guide:
Safety in Buenos Aires
Where is Buenos Aires?
The history of Buenos Aires
Tourism in Buenos Aires
Shopping Buenos Aires
Bars and restaurants in Buenos Aires
Travel around Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires Stay Survival Guide Buenos Lesson One
Buenos Aires Travel: Public Buses
Back to the Buenos Aires Guide main page
Find Buenos Aires apartments online
Searching for rentals in Buenos Aires
Cheap apartments in Buenos Aires
Find luxury apartments in Buenos Aires
Vacationing in apartments for rent in Buenos Aires
Other Buenos Aires Guides
Eva Peron, Evita, a pilgrimage to Recoleta cemetery
The flag of Argentina, Sun of May, General Belgrano
Gay in Buenos Aires, night-by-night, 100s of gay listings
Gay Pride 2008, the biggest gay party ever in Buenos Aires
Stay healthy, choose a doctor, and travel health Buenos Aires
History of Buenos Aires and Argentina from 1500 to the Kirchners
Read about Buenos Aires’ people (porteños) and their Culture
The Rio del la Plata – neither a plate nor a river?
Read about the history of tango, tango dance and tango music
Read our reviews of the best tours in Buenos Aires
