Argentina

Argentina is the second largest country in South America, and one with a wide range of temperatures, from the hot and arid subtropical lands along the border with Paraguay to the cold and damp regions of southern Patagonia. The vast expanses of countryside and the fact that the country has welcomed a wide range of migrants have led to many different pursuits taking place throughout the country, with a detailed study of them undertaken by Jorge Páez in 1971.

Buenos Aires, with a population of 12 million (2007), has long attracted Spanish and Italian migrants, but there are also substantial British, German, Greek, Eastern European, and Chinese communities. The early

Spanish settlers enjoyed riding horses—the great Pampas being the perfect venue for horse riding and rodeos, leading to the emergence of the gaucho culture. The earliest reference to bullfighting in Argentina was in 1609, but it was banned in Argentina in 1856, although it did take place illegally as recently as 1950. Girls from wealthy families learned sewing and embroidery. Many also were involved in playing music, listening to it, and dancing. It was from the African slave community in Buenos Aires, and also from nearby Montevideo, in Uruguay, that the hard rhythm of tango music originated.

Most children in Argentina were involved in playing games such as Hide-and-Seek, playing with marbles, and girls playing with dolls. However soccer—both recreational and professional—is one of the most popular pastimes in the entire country; their national team won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986, and only losing in the final in 1990. Boys can be found playing soccer, often with improvised goal posts, all around the country. Most other games are also played, with the British community, through St. George's College and St. Andrew's Scots School, as well as the Hurlingham Club and the Belgrano Club, being centers for cricket and rugby.