Independence Day... Kinda

Most people had the day off on July 9th, but it is only kinda of an Independence Day for Argentineans. It was when they created their fist government as Argentina. The most important Independence Day is May 25th, which is when the territories of Uruguay, Brazil, Panama, and Argentina, established the first local government.

The most important thing about Wednesday July 9th though, was that Argentina played the Netherlands in the world cup. My friends and I showed up to a bar an hour early, and all of the tables were already taken. People had started getting ready for the game as soon as they woke up. The atmosphere was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Everyone knew the same chants, people were yelling in the streets and everyone became bonded by their love of their football team. Everyone went crazy during the penalty kicks at the end of the game. Each time Argentina scored or the Netherlands missed there was an eruption of joy. For hours after the game, people leaned out of car windows yelling and singing cheers that I couldn't understand no matter how many times I heard them.

Celebrating with the Argentineans 

We had to cut our celebration short however because we had tickets to a show called Fuerza Bruta. It has traveled all over the world but originated in Argentina. It is Cirque Du Soleil esque, and very different at the same time. There is audience participation, and the audience gets moved around as the performances change locations. 

Opening Drummer

 All of the Drummers

Performers Flying through the Air

(not a great picture)

Clear Pool Above the Audience

Clear Pool Above Audience

 Pool Lowered on to Audience

 Performer Reaching Down to the Audience From a Plastic Bubble

Yep, That's an Audience Member with him

Celebrating Argentina's Win After the Performance

After such a crazy after noon and evening, I was ready to get home. A friend and I were going to split a cab home since the walk was do able, but not when we were tired. It was nearly impossible to find a cab and when we finally did we were already more than half way home. To your surprised the cab would not take us to my street, Corrientes. When we finally got there, we understood why. When Argentina wins a big game, every gathers at the Oblisque and marches up Corrientes. Even though it was three hours after the game people were still walking up the street and celebrating.