Bicentenario

Today's the bicentennial here—happy 200 years of Argentina. Though as with many things here, what it is we're celebrating exactly is a bit confusing. I bought a history comic book, but haven't finished reading it yet and am still a bit baffled. As I understand it now, 200 years ago marks the formation of the Primera Junta, which was the first anti-Spanish Government in Buenos Aires. That's the city, not the country. And actually, they were only against Napoleonic Spain—they were still faithful to what they considered to be legitimate Spain. (Napoleon deposed Ferdinand VII and put his brother Joe in charge of Spain.) Anyway, the country itself didn't really form for quite a while later, but they celebrate May 25, 1810 as the day that began it all. So here we are.

They've closed off a big stretch of 9 de Julio, the huge street that cuts through the center of town. There are three stages, of which this is the biggest, as well as lots of pavilions representing each province. Here's what the main stage looked like a few days ago when they were setting up.


And here's what it looked like on Saturday, before one of the many parades.


This family got good views for the day by driving their truck there and then mounting a viewing platform on front.


The magnificent Teatro Colon reopened yesterday, after having shut down in October 2006 for renovations. I'll be there on Friday for La Boheme.


This is the Cabildo, the building where the Primera Junta (that first anti-Napoleonic Spanish government) was formed. Actually, it's been rebuilt since then, so this is a reconstruction.) It faces the Casa Rosada on the Plaza de Mayo.


And here's the Cabildo in chocolate in a store window around the corner from where I live.


Here's an odd elevated half-boat they put up in front of the Cathedral, also on Plaza de Mayo, where San Martin is buried.


One of the diagonal streets leading to the Obelisk at night.


And this is my street, Corrientes, last night. As you might imagine, I'm a bit tired of elbowing my way through crowds like this. It will be nice to get back to the usual chaos and traffic tomorrow.