Argentina Culture Magazine 1 | Page 21

Plaza de Mayo

Casa Rosada

The Casa Rosada, is the executive mansion of Agentina, home and office of the president. Casa Rosada literally translates to "Pink House" which is fairly fitting to the building. It is located on the eastern side of Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires. There are free tours every hour through Casa Rosada and all you have to bring is a form of ID. There is much mystery behind the naming of the building and why they chose this specific color for the building, but legend goes that President Sarmiento's attempts to make peace gave color to this house. By blending the colors of the red of the Federalists with the white of the Unitarians. But the most believed reason is they, mixed white paint with bovine blood, a common practice during the late 19th century. Speaking of history, there is a museum located behind the Casa Rosada with a glass cieling. The museum captures the different eras of Agrentine history and political eras with various side rooms showcasing it through the times.

The Plaza de Mayo is the most famous square in Argentina and for good reason. It is an important part of both past and current Argentine history. From revolutions, to governing, bombings, and protests, it has been a sight known for being on the verge of change and tragedy. Throughout all the devastion that took place, it is also a place of hope for many in Argentina. You could say "It's the room where it happens." The square gets its name from the beginning of the revolution in May of 1810. After they won their independence just 6 years later, it was given it's name and become the holder of the capitol containg the Casa Rosada, the executive mansion of Argentina. This was resembling the break away from Spain. The square also holds the all important Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral. The source of Argentina's religious activity that has been visited by many important religious figures throughout history such as Pope Francis.