About Argentina
Location
Population
Population
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Argentina is one of 12 countries on the continent of South America. It is the eighth largest country in the world with a land area about 4.1 times larger than the state of Texas.
Population
Population
Population
Argentina is home to about 45.5 million people. Most of the population, 15.8 million, live in the metropolitan capital area of Buenos Aires. Spanish is the official national language.
Religion
Population
Religion
Catholicism is the official state religion of Argentina. About 48.9 percent of the population claims to be catholic, but many are not practicing. In any case, idolatry is rampant.
Food
Other Customs
Religion
On the weekend, many Argentines will be found enjoying an "asado", or barbeque. But in general, their food is highly influenced by the Italian culture. Pizza and pasta are regular menu options. Other common plates are milanesa (similar to chicken fried steak) and arroz con pollo (chicken and rice).
Other Customs
Other Customs
Other Customs
Mate is a tea-like drink made from the yerba plant. Mate is most often shared among family and friends. It is a way to socialize, and groups of people can be seen in the afternoon enjoying mate together in the parks. It is also drunk from a communal cup. The cup is also called a "mate", and the filtered straw is called a "bombilla".
About Corrientes
Province of Corrientes
The province of Corrientes is located in the northern part of the country and touches the countries of Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay. There are 1,212,696 people in the entire province. While it is a province of Argentina, and the people are very loyal to their country, Corrientes also has its own culture. Many of the people are descendants of the Guarani, an indigenous people group. Some still speak the language. While it isn't spoken exclusively (Spanish is still the official language), the Correntinos add many Guarani words into their everyday lives.
Idolatry in Corrientes
Virgen of Itati
As a Catholic society, the Correntinos adore Mary. As the story goes, early settlers in the area saw the reflection of Mary three times along the river and built a statue in her honor. They called her the Lady of Itati. This version of the Virgen Mary is celebrated and praised among the Correntinos. Her shrine, the Basilica of Itati, is one of the highest in South American and is located in the town of Itati, about an hour from Corrientes Capital. In July, they celebrate a feast in her honor, as well as the anniversary of her appearance. About 300,000 people visit the basilica every year.
Gauchito Gil and Santa Muerte
Gauchito Gil is a legendary figure celebrated by the people of Corrientes, as well as Argentina as a whole. He was a robber who stole from the rich to give to the poor. Upon his capture, he was sentenced to death. Before it was carried out, he told them he would return and do favors for the people. After his death, one man prayed to Gauchito Gil for the healing of his son. When the son was well, the legend of Gauchito Gil was born. He is prayed to for favors by the people still. Little red shrines are visible all throughout Corrientes in his honor. While the Catholic religion does not officially recognize him as a saint, the people regard him as such.
Santa Muerte (the grim reaper) is often seen at Gauchito Gil's side. He is also celebrated and worshipped.