Written and photographed by Samantha Demangate
Whether you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert, I bet you value your community and the people you surround yourself with. One of the most beautiful things about Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the community. The city of 15 million people has such a social community. There are tons of factors that contribute to this, but one very special thing about Buenos Aires is the daily park life.
From picnics to parties, the Buenos Aires park life provide us with the opportunity to enjoy another’s company. Buenos Aires is famous for its luscious parks and offers diverse natural experiences from the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur to Los Bosques De Palermo with its manicured Rosedal, rose garden. All directly accessible from the city streets, the most popular parks of Buenos Aires hold something to marvel at. I am not here to talk about the best and most beautiful parks of Buenos Aires. No, today I am here to talk about the park culture that is the city.
What’s so great?
My favorite parks are the small, humble parks that are nestled into neighborhoods. I love these parks because they are used daily. They are worn, walked in, and well loved. You will find people in bone chilling and boiling hot weather, passing around maté and enjoying the day. Picnics are all year around and the parks are a party for everyone.
Being from the central coast of California, I’ve always had easy access to nature. I was worried about living in metropolitan cities and feeling confined by the daily maze of concrete buildings. I was surprised when I saw the dozens of open parks for myself in Buenos Aires. Stressful city days are quickly remedied with a quick walk in the park (and sometimes a long stare at the lake). Even the most manicured, prestigious parks are easily accessible, most lying near the popular street of Santa Fe.
One of the coolest things about the city is, most of the parks are free! Wow, stunning botanical gardens, lakes, reserves and sculpture art, free? Yeah, it feels strange as a Californian, where some of our lovely parks can cost a pretty penny to visit. Major thanks to those of Buenos Aires that keep these areas so clean and spotless!
Weekly markets
Many parks hold festive markets weekly, featuring handmade artisanal goods and delicious foods. You can find these in many neighborhoods including Recoleta, Palermo, San Telmo, Caballito and Almagro. If you want to get a gift for a friend or family member, you will defintiely find something unique from an artisanal vendor.
I am a huge fan of the food scene at these markets too. The vendors at Parque Rivadavia’s Friday market offer homemade baked goods, fresh coffee and shawarma! Roasted peanuts, caramel apples and choripan are always in parks around the city as well.
Music and entertainment
Buenos Aires is overflowing with musical talent. I still have the gorgeous voice of a singer from the subway last week stuck in my mind! You’re definitely going to hear some great singers and performers while walking through the parks. Sit for a song and drop them some pesos. Enjoy!
Maté? Let’s have maté!
Maté is a ritual I didn’t fully understand before coming to Buenos Aires. You’ll see about 90% of the Argentine population drinking a maté, I guarantee you. It is a practice that is done everywhere and the local park is no exception. You can even find hot water vending machines at some! Prior to COVID-19, people shared mate, bringing one or maybe two cups for a group. Being offered some maté is an honor. When you visit Buenos Aires, grab a maté cup, thermos and a picnic blanket and enjoy yourself.
Books books books!
Wow, I am obsessed with the literature obsession of Buenos Aires. Books, everywhere! Buenos Aires has over 700 bookstores and you can browse endless book kiosks as well. There are novels, dictionaries, magazines and comics. You will definitely find something that you like. If you speak and read Spanish, you’re good to go. You might luck out and find some in English, but if not, you certainly can find some speciality stores in the city, but that’s another article.
Parque Rivadavia, one of my favorite parks, has a whole vending section of just books!
Fitness and sports
Dance classes, yoga classes and boxing classes, you name it. The parks operate as the community’s fitness studio. Did I mention the workout stations too? I’m not sure if the popularity of outdoor fitness increased here due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s here to stay.
You’re also sure to find volleyball and, of course, soccer, played all around the city. Parque Las Heras has a bit of everything. From soccer, to ping pong, to workout stations, you can definitely find a way to break a sweat.
Chess
If you have chess pieces on hand, you’re in luck. You will find built-in chess boards throughout the city’s parks. Parque Armenia has a few tables (makes sense, as chess is a mandatory school subject in Armenia) as well as Parque Rivadavia. I’ve seen a few groups play some enthusiastic, dare I say rowdy, rounds of dominos on them as well. Use ’em as you’d like!
Isolation has been tough for many of us throughout the past few years. Parks have been my happy place while everything else was closed. Buenos Aires has reminded me just how important these open spaces are for our communities. I encourage you to take an hour, when you have time, and go for a walk in your local park with your family, friends or just by yourself.
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