Festival of Lights in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires was founded and built on its rich mix of immigrant communities. Argentine legislation encourages cultural diversity which is prevalent with their traditions; religion; language in the history and the development of this great nation. Argentineans are very often related with Italians and Spanish descendants, mostly Catholics and a few Muslims, but it is also well known that the Jewish immigration to Argentina played an important role in the arts, the economy and the politics of the country. The Jewish inheritance of Buenos Aires can be clearly seen in the districts of Once and Barrio Norte, where upon visiting these districts, you will find the heart of the old and new Jewish life in Buenos Aires with many kosher restaurants; Jewish schools; kosher supermarkets and Synagogues. [caption id="attachment_1909" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Festival of Lights in Buenos Aires[/caption] According to the cultural freedom of worship and the anti-discrimination law of Argentina, the Jewish community in Buenos Aires is getting ready to celebrate right before Christmas. The Chanukah holiday or Festival of Lights in Buenos Aires which this year runs from the 20th – 28th December 2011 includes many cultural events taking place across the city. Chanukah or Januca in Spanish, aims to spread the word about the Jewish tradition, to integrate the community with the festival atmosphere of the city but also to claim Jewish rights after the tragic terrorist attacks which occurred in the past at the Israeli Embassy and AMIA a few years ago. [caption id="attachment_1910" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Celebrate Chanukah in Buenos Aires[/caption] If you are looking to celebrate the Festival of Lights in Buenos Aires or want to experience a Jewish festival in Buenos Aires, visit some of the top celebrations taking place across the city during Chanukah. • To mark the Festival of Lights in Buenos Aires, the lighting of the largest Chanukiah (Janukiah) in Buenos Aires, organised by Chabad  (Jabad), will take place on Wednesday 21st December 2011 at 20.00 in Recoleta at the Plaza Republica Oriental del Uruguay (Av. Libertador y Austria in front of the Channel 7 building). Some of the entertainment will include a performance by the Kef Orchestra and a fireworks display all of which will be shown on large screens. The event promises to be a great night and a great way to celebrate or experience the festival of Chanukah in Buenos Aires. • Januca Urbano is a cultural festival which celebrates the major Jewish festivals and is put on by YOK, an all-inclusive Jewish organisation in Buenos Aires. During Januca Urbano you will be able to browse the Jewish artefacts on sale or taste traditional Middle-Eastern and Jewish food. The event is taking place in Plaza Palermo Viejo on Costa Rica and Armenia. • Want somewhere to party during Chanukah? YOK are providing a celebration of Chanukah and the festive season with an Electro party with a DJ set at Niceto Club on Saturday 24th December. It starts at 01.30 and entry will be ARS$50. The agenda of events can be seen here. • AMIA along with the musical group, Hasambá will be providing a Chanukah celebration in AMIA’s Plaza Seca (Pasteur 633) on the 27th December at 20.00. The event will mark the lighting of the 8th and final light on the Chanukiah. Entry to the event is open and free and gives you the opportunity to celebrate the Festival of Lights in Buenos Aires with the Jewish community.

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