When it comes to Argentine culture then first of all there´s the tango, of course, which contributed a lot to the national identity. The tango is a combination of dance and song that combines native, Italien, Spanish, and Cuban influences. It first occured in the 19th century in the arrabales (suburbs) of Buenos Aires, which is the centre of the tango till today. Its rhythm, the free improvisation of its choreography, and its distinctive sound is characteristic for the tango. Besides the instrumental tango there´s also the tango canción, whose lyrics are mainly about sad love affairs and the problems of the social lower class. The king of the tango canción was Carlos Gardel, the man with the "tears in the throat". Other famous performers are Astor Piazolla and Osvaldo Pugliese.

Besides the tango Argentine music is also characterized by folkloristic elements. The most famous work is the "Misa Criolla" by Ariel Ramírez. Other popular interprets of Argentine folklore are Héctor Bohento Chavero (Atahualpa Yupanqui), Jorge Cafrune und Mercedes Sosa.

But also classical music and opera aren´t missed out in the Argentine music scene. In 1908 the Teatro Colón was opened on May 25 with a performance of "Aida". Today it is one of the most famous opera houses all over the world with many famous opera singers having performed on its stage like Enrico Caruso and Maria Callas.

In the middle of the 19th century the literary scene established in Argentina with the "gaucho" as main theme as a symbol for the fateful connection of the Argentinian man with the endless vastness of the Pampas. The epic poem "El Gaucho Martín Ferro" (1872) written by José Hernández is the most important work of 19th century literature in Latin America and also called the Argentine national epic.
In the beginning of the 20th century the mental emancipation from the mother countrcipation from the mother country Spain was in the centre of attention with authors such as Leopoldo Lugones and Alfonsina Storni.
Famous writers of more recent times are Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar, and Manuel Puig.

Speaking of Argentine culture you mustn´t forget to mention one thing: football, the passion of almost everyone in Argentina. In 1893 the AFA (Argentine Football Association) was founded, which is the governing body of football in Argentina and one of the oldest football associations worldwide. The Argentin national football team is one of the most successful teams in the world having won the Copa América 14 times and the World Cup 2 times (1978 in Argentina, 1986 in Mexico). And since 1986 also every football illiterate surely has heard about the name Maradona. The most popular football clubs are "River Plate" and "Boca Junior".