Without samba and with murga, Buenos Aires also has street blocks during Carnival
Buenos Aires embraces murga during Carnival, showcasing a vibrant local celebration distinct from Brazil's samba.
Buenos Aires is embracing its unique cultural identity through the celebration of Carnival, showcasing murga as a central feature of the festivities. Unlike the famous samba parades of Brazil, the city's Carnival is characterized by children's playful attire and adults engaging in spontaneous, yet coordinated, performances with whistles and drums. These street parades, known as 'corsos', take place across various neighborhoods, from affluent areas to more peripheral ones, particularly in places like Boedo and parks Chacabuco and Lezama, which attract large crowds of revelers.
The artistic expression of murga combines dance, percussion, and song, providing not only a form of entertainment but also serving as a medium for social critique. As the city revels in its Carnival festivities, it reinforces local identity as a celebration that resonates with the cultural roots of the RÃo de la Plata region. Local residents, such as 33-year-old teacher Evelyn Castro, express their pride in this beautiful spectacle, emphasizing its cultural significance while acknowledging that it differs from the renowned Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
This shift in focus from samba to murga highlights the diverse cultural landscape of Latin America, where each city uniquely interprets festive traditions. Although Buenos Aires may not feature the same tropical flair as Brazil's celebrations, it is a vibrant and heartfelt display of community, creativity, and tradition that reflects the city's distinct heritage and brings together the community in shared festivities.