La Gran Vía de Mayo
Check out all activities in Avenida de Mayo from April 12th to May 18th (PDF)
Buenos Aires means a lot of things: tango, mate, the blue-sky and the sidewalks of a neighbourhood. And many of those things are found along the two kilometres that links the Casa Rosada with the Congreso de la Nación. In front of each one of those emblematic buildings there is a historical square: the Plaza de Mayo on one side, the Plaza de los Dos Congresos on the other side. In the middle, there is an avenue.
The Avenida de Mayo, designed in 1894, meant for the city one of its most important urban reforms. This avenue has been the privileged scenario of political demonstrations since the Revolución de Mayo. Besides, according to what is said by people specialized , this avenue concentrates the most beautiful architecture of the city. We can take the great Palacio Barolo, which was built by the architect Mario Palanti in 1919, as sample
Tango also has its own place on Avenida de Mayo. Notable Bars as the historical Los 36 Billares are ideal places for the singing and dancing. The Academia Nacional del Tango is located at Avenida de Mayo 833, next to the mythical Café Tortoni, in which Carlos Gardel, Jorge Luis Borges, Alfonsina Storni, Raúl González Tuñón, Federico García Lorca drank a cup of coffee and talked about art.
And Lorca is one of the eternal characters of this important thoroughfare. The Spanish writer stayed at Hotel Castelar when he visited Argentina. He was in the heart of the Hispanic neighbourhood, in which the Spanish operettas of the Teatro Avenida and the Quixote monument are still shown with great pride.
Even, the subway is historical along this street because the line A, the oldest one in Latin America, is found under Avenida de Mayo. This line still keeps its wooden wagons. A permanent exhibition of old objects is found at Peru Station.
Until May the 19th, the Gran Vía will be revitalized with guided tours, plays and musical shows which will highlight the Spanish heritage, the tango essence and its uncompromising Porteño style.
Do you know Avenida de Mayo? What do you like most about this thoroughfare?
Abril 12, 2008 a las 12:52 Editar
It’s the most beautiful place in the city. A real must-see place. Go there my firends!
Abril 14, 2008 a las 18:16 Editar
I’d like to go to taste the real “leche merengada”
Could you tell me where can I ask it?
Junio 23, 2008 a las 12:21 Editar
Can I ask it? no!!! a mi no me da askit , very gustar muuuchoo la merengadita jejeje.