Locro Day

Culture — By Diego

The 25th of May is an important holiday in Argentina, because on May 25^th, 1810, Argentina’s first independent government was created. This national holiday is celebrated every year, and the festivities are often accompanied by a large bowl of locro. The origins of this tradition are not well documented, and the only thing that can be agreed upon is that on May 25^th the people of Argentina eat locro to celebrate their first independent government.

One possible explanation is that to celebrate this event, the Argentines wanted to do so with a food that was typical to the area (and not originating from Spain). Locro fit this role perfectly, because not only was it a delicious, abundant dish, but it originated from the indigenous people of Argentina.

Another explanation is that that many years ago, some of the poorer people would sell food on the street during events and celebrations. These were often the indigenous Argentines, and locro was already a staple of their diet. 25 of May was always one of the largest celebrations in Argentina, and therefore the indigenous would prepare large quantities of food to sell, and one of these dishes was locro. The Argentines liked the locro so much that it slowly became a tradition to buy it from the street vendors during the celebration of their independent government. In fact, it became so popular with the immigrants that they eventually began to prepare it themselves, and always made an effort to eat this delicious dish on the 25^th of May.

No matter what the true origins of this tradition are, almost everyone will agree that locro is a delicious stew, often made from whatever you have lying around, and is perfect to warm you up during the cold days leading up to winter.

Not sure how to make locro? Check out our locro recipe: http://exposebuenosaires.com/argentine-locro/

On the 25^th of May, there are many restaurants that specially prepare locro. You can also try these restaurants that permanently have locro on their menu:

Las Cholas - Arce 306 – Las Cañitas Tasty locro, and very cheap.

El tafí – Raul Scalabrini Ortiz, Av. 2815 – Palermo – Take out restaurant with delivery, and a fairly good locro.

La Paila – Costa Rica 4848 – Palermo – delicious locro, decent Price, and the restaurant offers live music most nights.