Gigantic Folklore in Buenos Aires

The 2nd day in Buenos Aires started with rain. Did I praise the weather too much yesterday? With the intention of visiting Plaza de Mayo with all the centrally located attractions and maybe starting with the museums, I hurried there. On the way there, a small group with very strange costumes and bells on their legs appeared first. Now I know where Elvis got his fantasy costume from, others look like warriors from Star Wars. Women with strange hats, some with long wide skirts, some with very short skirts and lots of leg. Musicians joined in, mainly with all kinds of brass instruments and gigantic drums. I followed along. The parade had not really started yet when the musicians and dancers could not contain themselves: they started playing - incredibly loud - incredibly discordant, the drum beats slightly out of rhythm, the trumpets not quite in tune - blare! The parade formation was still not quite complete. Some women were still fixing themselves up, weather didn't matter - it was drizzling more. Some had plastic bags over their felt hats. I only saw sheet music with very few musicians - freestyle with a concept. Why conductors? The parade started even while standing - atmosphere. I didn't realize the extent of the parade yet. Everything seems to be heading towards Plaza de Mayo - actually. Finally, I stood and then sat on one of the grandstands. After 1 hour, no end in sight, not even after 2 hours. Again and again, new groups, many from Bolivia. Men, women, young and old - everyone dances, plays music - impressive choreography becomes visible. Hats are slammed on the ground, leaps are executed. The highlight seems to be towards the main stage where television, big screen, and a commentator are located. Slowly, I got cold, despite my rain jacket. After two and a half hours, I went into a café to warm up - memory card and batteries are still holding, but not forever. When I came out, the fun is still going on - but those who were already finished are gathering in groups on Plaza del Mayo. I try to get into Casa Rosada - unlucky, only with prior reservation. The color pink comes from President Sarmiento (1868-74), who let the colors of the Federalists and Unitarians mix - so it says for reconciliation! The Cabildo is the former town hall and houses the Museum of the Revolution. It explains to me two things: 1. The square was not named after mayonnaise, but after the revolution on May 25, 1810, which only led to independence in 1816. 2. Argentinians and Brits have not liked each other for a long time, because the cheeky Brits occupied Buenos Aires in 1806. However, in the 19th century, many European ways of life were introduced in Buenos Aires, including a café called London City, where today I enjoyed a coffee in an elegant atmosphere - it could also be a Viennese coffee house. In the Falklands War, Argentina occupied the islands, which were until then British, but they did not expect the 'Iron Lady' Thatcher. The occupation lasted almost as long as 1806, not even 50 days.

Despite the weather, I really enjoyed today - so much experienced - so many impressions - a rush of colors and sounds. I experienced the pride of the indigenous population in an impressive way that I had not anticipated. The effort that is being made to create costumes and choreography, to undertake long journeys and some discomfort in order to present themselves so well - I am deeply impressed. The motto hits the mark - 100% friends.