Some Old Customs Never Die…

There are certain customs in Buenos Aires that prevail over years. One thing you can still find is popcorn vendors. This is a tradition that fortunately has not disappeared. In many corners of Buenos Aires it is typical to see men pushing funny little carts and selling warm sweet popcorn (known as pochoclo here), as well as toffee apples (the twist here is that they have popcorn on top of the melted sugar), toffee figs (with popcorn on top too) and sticky cotton candy.

Another typical scene (and smell) you will find all over the city, specially at train and subway stations, is the garrapiñada vendors. Garrapiñada consists of peanuts cooked in melted sugar, so once they are cold, they have a sweet crust around them. You can usually get almonds cooked this way too. Even if you don’t buy any, it is a pleasure to go past them and enjoy the sweet fragrance.

Picture this snapshot (trust me, you will see many times while in downtown): a man sitting on a stool, usually reading the newspaper, and having his leather shoes polished. I’ve even seen a boy having his black leather Nikes polished!

Newstands… just stand in any corner, look around and you will spot one. There is one in every block. They sell local newspapers and magazines. In the ones located on Florida street you can get some international ones. The only local newspaper in English is the Buenos Aires Herald, with local and international news.

Here is another popular tradition that did not go to rest. During the summer months, if you are very lucky, you might get to see a part of Buenos Aires´ history alive and well in the 21st century. A number of horse drawn carts full of watermelons that wander the city, going right down the streets with cars, taxis, and buses… their antique loudspeakers announcing juicy and delicious watermelons, just like back in colonial times. Quite a view if you ask me…

Photo credit: PabloBD and  Diavolaki on Flickr