mciver1

=Gauchos in Argentina=

"Gaucho" in spanish means cowboy. In Argentinian art and literature the life of a Gaucho was the main theme. In literature Gaucho's were often depicted as being heros with lonely lifes on the plains. (Gaucho)These Gaucho's were constantly in battle with Indians of the plains and often felt the government did not understand their livestyle. In actuality Gauchos were very mischevious and troublemakers. They were often poor and stole horses so they could escape from the law. For food they would kill wild cattle, and once finished eating they would skin the cattle and sell their hides on a illegal trade route. (Gaucho)In order to hydrate themselves Gauchos would drink from streams or make mate, a tea made from leaves. This lifestyle was one that many people admired because it was seen as being free and taking control of your own destiny, but as it was later discovered, this was not a lifestyle anyone wanted to emulate. (Gaucho)

Today's Gauchos are much more modern and are not as extreme with their lone - lifestyles. Urban Gauchos live an everyday life, but keep their culture by showing the rope throwing skills in rodeos.(Gaucho) Gauchos will do events such as bull riding and cattle catching. The descendants are very proud of their ancestors, and show their skills as often as they can.(Gaucho)

Back to Argentina