It may be winter in Buenos Aires, but this month the city is truly heating up. Spirits are at their peak, as Argentina continues to advance in El Mundial (World Cup), taking place in our neighboring country of Brazil. As an expat, this fever may seem strange, but for Argentines, now is a moment they have been (im)patiently awaiting for four years. If you cannot make it to Brazil for this cup, Buenos Aires is the place to be.
In a city that already eats, sleeps, and breathes futbol, Argentina’s success in this World Cup has created enthusiasm that even the economy cannot hinder. During games, streets are utterly motionless– a sensation that seems eery to a foreign eye. Taxi drivers and business owners halt all work to watch the games. When taxis continue driving, they can be seen waving Argentine flags and honking horns. Do not even think about trying to order delivery while the game is on, orders are placed to go out during halftime or after the game. Do not be scared when you feel your building vibrate from roaring cheers after each goal. Every television is on the same channel, and from the moment of kickoff, nothing but futbol matters. Universities show games during class and offices watch during work. If an office does not have a television, employees often relocate to the closest restaurant or bar with a television. Crowds even gather on the streets to watch through the windows of stores and restaurants with visible screens.
Children are not the only ones with a Messi craze. Nearly everyone is obsessed with their local ¨savior¨. If you are curious what Messi and the Argentina team are eating for the World Cup, Pickupthefork has recently posted an article spilling the juice. If you are a tourist or expat, you may impress your Argentine friends by practicing Argentine Futbol chants called “Canciones de Canchas” . There is even a NEW Cancion de Cancha for this year’s World Cup.
With Captain Leonel Messi starring the show, Argentina defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1, Iran 1-0, and Nigeria 3-2. Mente met at Chupitos Bar for lunch to watch the game against Nigeria. Faces were painted upon arrival and beers were toasted for each goal scored by Argentina. Tomorrow, Argentina faces Switzerland at 1:00PM and Mente Argentina will be convening at Magdalena’s Party to watch the game.
Magdalena’s Party in Palermo (Thames & Costa Rica) has been a hot spot for expats to watch the World Cup. During U.S. matches, fans decked in red, white, and blue with American flags painted on their faces, spill into the street. The Argentine futbol spirit has clearly shed onto these “Yanki” fans. This bar attracts an eclectic group of expats from around the world, bringing patriots to watch national teams from around the globe. However, during Argentina games, expats boast celeste and white Argentina jersies and proudly represent their home away from home. Bars and restaurants throughout the city have invested in new projectors and night venues are opening during the day, especially for World Cup games.
Here is a list of some locales to watch games from various countries:
Brazil: Me Leva Brasil (4488) & Boteco do Brasil (Honduras 5774)
Holland: Van Koning (Baez 325)
France: Sugar Bar (Costa Rica 4619) & Chupitos Bar (Bonpland 1670)
Plaza San Martin is an ideal spot to watch Argentina in this World Cup. With a large projector, each game has drawn a rowdy crowd. Decked in celeste blue and white, many bring airhorns, flags, and songs to add to the sensation. Even if you are not a soccer fan, experiencing this World Cup in Buenos Aires is something you will never forget. If you find yourself on the street, feeling like you are in a ghost town, just walk a little further and discover your local verdulería owners, pizza makers, and bartenders, glued to their TVs, and ready to welcome you in to join the fun. Salud y Vamos Argentina Carajo!