Those of you visiting Buenos Aires this week may be wondering what will be going on given that Easter tends to promise more quiet time than action and attraction, however, fear not, the city always has something interesting to offer. Literary madness takes a hold of the city starting Wednesday when the annual International book fair is launched and religious celebrations and easter eggs follow as the locals take a few days off from the city leaving it clear of the busy bustle.
Monday
Take a walk down Pasaje Rivarola, a beautiful street which appears to be stuck in time in the historical downtown area. Built in 1926 and characterized by its mirrored buildings on both sides, it is a regular location for film productions looking for an old fashioned feel. Whilst you´re there visit “La Chacarita de Los Relojes”, a small shop specializing in antique clock and watch restoration.
In the evening head to Club Severino for a wild party hosting a gore night promising laughs and scares, make up artists and special effects. We suggest you take a cab as the surroundings of Av. de Mayo and La Casa Rosada, where the club is located, is a bit dodgy at night.
Pasaje Rivarola- Bartolomé Mitre 1300, between Talcahuano and Uruguay.
Hipolito Yrigoyen 851
11pm onwards
Tuesday
A compilation of Argentine documentary photography (1850-2010) is being exhibited at the Centro Cultural Recoleta until this Sunday. A great opportunity to get a feel of the city’s history.
Afterwards head to the nearby “Clasica y Moderna” a book store and restaurant where you can browse for books, have a meal or listen to live music. Ana Moraitis sings live greek music at 9.30 PM. (check the web page for their music program if you’re planning to go at another date)
If you’re in the mood for some clubbing later, head to Palermo where nightclub Kika hosts “Hype” their Tuesday hit party.
Centro Cultural Recoleta
Junin 1930
4803-1040
Opening hours- 2pm- 9pm
Av Callao 892, Recoleta
4812-8707
clasica@clasicaymoderna.com
Honduras 5339, Palermo
4137-5313
info@kikaclub.com.ar
Wednesday
For those interested in the local politics and upcoming elections the British-Argentine Chamber of Commerce is hosting a breakfast at the Hotel Panamericano de Buenos Aires to present an analysis of presidential candidates for 2011. The breakfast is $120, to attend send an email to eventos@ccab.com.ar.
For a look at geometric latin american art, head to the Palais de Glace and check out the “MADI” exhibition displaying works from Argentine, Uruguayan and Brazilian artists that took part in this movement.
Close by is the display “Infinito Paisaje” by Brazilian artists Katia Maciel and André Parente, where they showcase interactive installations and video projections about landscapes and love stories.
In the evening, the Centro Cultural Konex hosts their weekly Milonga “La Garufa” where the traditional tango genre meshes with a modern approach. Beginner and intermediate classes are offered at 8pm, advanced at 9.30pm and the milonga, with a live orchestra starts at 11pm.
Hotel Panamericano
Carlos Pellegrini 551
4348-5000
Posadas 1725, Recoleta
4804-1163
Infinito Paisaje
Arenales 1540, Recoleta
4333-1300
Centro Cultural Konex
Sarmiento 3131, Abasto
4864-3200
Thursday
A big event this week is the Argentina-England Copa de las Naciones polo match being played in Palermo. The event begins at midday offering live shows and lunch and the match begins at 3pm. Tickets available here.
Later on in the evening, tour the city s art galleries in its first Gallery Night of the year.
A great place for drinks later at night is 878, a hidden bar in Palermo with a great selection of whiskies and cocktails.
Av. Libertador 4300 and Dorrego, Palermo
4777 6444
Thames 878, Villa Crespo
4773-1098
Friday
Good Friday is probably the slowest day of the Easter holiday. You have two choices, you either experience the local Easter celebrations or you find something alternative to do. If you go for the first option, you might enjoy going to “Tierra Santa” a surreal religious theme park which has recreated old jerusalem, the resurrection of Christ and many biblical stories including the genesis. There will also be a staged Via Crucis, but we recommend you experience this in Av. de Mayo starting at 8.30pm in Plaza Lorea where the the procession will be accompanied by a choir and an orchestra.
If you want something alternative to do, head to the MALBA and check out the Grette Stern and the Nineteenth Century exhibition hosted at 5pm. Hitchcock fans will also be able to catch one of the movies being screened.
Later on at night go to Club Niceto for their Friday “Invasion” bash.
Av. Rafael Obligado 5790, Costanera Norte
0800-444-3467
Plaza Lorea- Rivadavia and Paraná
MALBA
Avenida Figueroa Alcorta 3415, Recoleta
+54 (11) 4808-6500
Niceto Vega 5510, Palermo
4779-9396
Saturday
In the spirit of Easter go on an easter egg chocolate shopping spree at gourmet chocolateries Vassalisa in Recoleta, Tikal in Palermo, and Compañia de Chocolates in Palermo and Recoleta. We also recommed you try the traditional rosca de pascua.
In the evening the Centro Cultural Recoleta hosts a clown and music show at 7pm.
Vasalissa
Avenida Callao 1940, Recoleta
(0)11 4806 4158
Honduras 4890, Palermo
Beruti 4634, Palermo
(5411) 4776-4614
info@companiadechocolates.com
Rodriguez Peña 1847, Recoleta
(5411) 4813-9434
Junin 1930
4803-1040
Sunday
If you would like to attend Easter mass in English you can go to the Parroquia Madre Admirable near Retiro at 10am. Otherwise the United Community Church in the Acasuso town on the suburbs of the city offers services in English.
Sunday is also a great day to take a day trip to an estancia where traditional meals and shows are offered. More information on estancias and bookings here. http://www.estanciasargentinas.com/eng/index.php
Arroyo 917, Downtown
4393-3887
