Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The Plaza de Mayo is one of the most iconic places in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Located in the heart of the city, the Plaza de Mayo has been the center of activity for centuries, serving as the site of revolutions and pivotal social and political events. But much more than a historic landmark, the Plaza de Mayo and its surrounding area offer an array of exciting activities, attractions and popular restaurants, making it one of the top tourist destinations in the country. This travel guide will provide useful information and interesting facts about the Plaza de Mayo and its surrounding area, so that you can make the most out of your visit.

Interesting Facts About Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires

1. It was the site of the formal announcement of Argentine Independence on July 9, 1816.

2. There is a memorial in Plaza de Mayo which commemorates the victims of the bombing of Plaza de Mayo during Argentina’s military junta in the late 1970s.

3. It is also the site of the May Revolution which occurred in 1810 and is the start of the Argentine War of Independence.

4. On the western side of the square is located the Cabildo, the site of Buenos Aires City Hall.

5. The Mother’s Plaza de Mayo movement, a human rights organization, has been holding a silent protest in the square every Thursday since 1977.

6. In the center of the square is the May Pyramid which was erected in 1811 and is the first national monument in Argentina.

7. It is one of the few parks in the city where leisure activities such as chess, playing cards, or dominoes are allowed.

8. The square also features an artificial pond and a bronze sculpture of General Manuel Belgrano relieving a soldier from duty.

History & Information About Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires

Plaza de Mayo is the most important public square in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires. It is located in the city’s downtown area and is the site of many national commemorations. It is perhaps most famous for being the place where many political demonstrations have been held throughout Argentina’s turbulent history. The square has been the site of some of the most dramatic events in the history of Argentina. It was here that Eva Perón delivered many of her famous speeches to the Argentine people, and it was also where the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo marched in the 1970s and 1980s to demand information about their children who had disappeared during the military dictatorship. Its history is intertwined with some of the most significant moments in the country’s history.

The plaza’s history dates back to the time of the Spanish colonial period, when it was constructed in 1580. Under the rule of Juan de Garay, the city’s founder and first governor of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, the plaza became the focal point of the town. From that time forward, it became the main center of political and civic life in the city. However, it wasn’t until the early nineteenth century that the plaza took on its current form – with the construction of the obelisk, a monument that was built in honor of General José de San Martin and his successful campaign for the country’s independence from Spain in 1810.

The plaza became an essential part of the daily life of the budding metropolis, hosting popular events such as tango festivals, as well as political rallies and demonstrations. It was here that the famous comadrita (the female comrades of the revolution) assembled in the 1950s to redeem José José de San Martín’s remains from the United Kingdom. During the 1970s and 1980s, political demonstrations against the military dictatorship also occurred in the plaza. In 1982, the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo organized their first marches on the square, demanding information on their children who had disappeared during the military regime.

In recent years, Plaza de Mayo has become increasingly popular among tourists. It has become a symbol of Argentina’s struggle for democracy and freedom, and is a popular destination for sightseers who wish to learn more about the country’s tumultuous political history.

Travel Guide For Visiting Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires

1. Welcome to the Plaza de Mayo: Located in the historic downtown district of Buenos Aires, the Plaza de Mayo is one of the most iconic spots in the city. Home to the Casa Rosada (Argentina’s presidential residence) as well as the National Bank of Argentina, the plaza has a rich and colorful history that dates back centuries.

2. Visit the monuments: The Plaza de Mayo features several monuments dedicated to Argentina’s past. These include the monument for the country’s May Revolution of 1810 and the Pirámide de Mayo, which is a 74-foot obelisk that celebrates Argentine independence. Also of note is the Monumento Mayo Nacional, which pays tribute to the Argentine soldiers who fought in the War of the Triple Alliance (1865-1870).

3. Explore the political history: For years the Plaza de Mayo served as the symbolic center for the country’s political protests and it is still the focal point of weekly demonstrations. Locals gather in the plaza on Thursday afternoons to commemorate the ​ Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a brave group of women who marched in the plaza during the 1970s and 80s to demand the return of their missing children who were victims of forced disappearances during the Argentine military dictatorship.

4. Visit the surrounding attractions: Besides political protests the Plaza de Mayo can also be used as a starting point from which to explore some of the city’s other attractions. One must-see is the neo-gothic Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, which is located nearby. Another is the Beaux-Arts styled Buenos Aires Cabildo, a former Spanish town hall that now serves as a museum dedicated to the country’s independence.

5. Enjoy a bite to eat: Several cafes and restaurants dot the Plaza de Mayo’s square. If looking for a quick snack, try the Empanadas de la Plaza, a regional delicacy that is sold at a number of stalls in the area. Café Tortoni is a more expensive option, but it has great outdoor seating and is one of the oldest cafes in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires

Q. What is Plaza de Mayo?

A. Plaza de Mayo is a public square in the heart of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is best known as the site of the political protests and demonstrations that take place there. The most notable of these are the weekly mothers’ protests demanding information about their disappeared children during the “Dirty War” of the 1976 military dictatorship. The plaza is also home to many important buildings, including the Casa Rosada, the Cathedral of Buenos Aires, and the National Bank of Argentina.

Q. Why is Plaza de Mayo important?

A. Plaza de Mayo is important for its historical significance and political symbolism. It was on this Plaza that the Argentine revolution of May 1810 took place and Argentina’s Independence was declared in 1816. It is associated with the anniversary of the Falklands War and the recovery of the Islas Malvinas, and it is the key site of the protests and demonstrations of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, which began in the 1970s in response to the disappearance of their children during the “Dirty War”.

Q. What can I find in Plaza de Mayo?

A. Plaza de Mayo is home to a number of important landmarks, such as the Casa Rosada, Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Bank of Argentina, the Buenos Aires City Hall, the May Pyramid, and many more. It is also a popular site for street performers and vendors. You can also enjoy the bustling outdoor activities and take in the stunning views of the government buildings all around the Plaza.

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

Search Posts

Latest posts

Popular posts