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The term “folklore” quickly gained popularity after it was first coined by William John Thoms in 1846. Today, it refers to the expression of a community’s intangible cultural heritage, which is passed down through generations and has a distinctly popular character.
In the Latin American context, this word is often used to refer specifically to music and dance. However, rituals, customs, literature, and other cultural expressions are equally important aspects of folklore.
In Argentina, various cultures have intersected for centuries. Even before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, there was significant exchange—sometimes peaceful, sometimes violent—among the different Indigenous peoples of the Americas.
However, colonization deeply altered the balance of power. Alongside the Indigenous peoples of what is now Argentina and the Spanish colonizers, other migrants from the Americas, enslaved populations from Africa, and Argentina’s Creole communities increasingly contributed to the cultural landscape.
The Argentinian folk music and dances we know today began to take shape in the 19th century, with distinct musical styles emerging in different regions. Broadly speaking, two major currents can be identified: In the West, there is a strong influence from the region of present-day Peru, featuring polyrhythmic styles in 6/8 and 3/4 time signatures.In the East, binary rhythms reflect the impact of Afro-American populations.
In the 20th century, Argentinian folk music experienced a renaissance known as the “Boom del Folclore.” This movement was fueled by new communication media such as radio and records, which brought the music to a wider audience. Artists like Atahualpa Yupanqui, Mercedes Sosa, and Los Chalchaleros played a key role in popularizing folk music by performing traditional songs and creating new compositions that reflected Argentina’s social and political realities.
In contemporary times, folklore remains a vital part of Argentinian culture. It continues to be performed and danced at festivals and celebrations, serving as a powerful means of expressing the country’s identity and history. Modern artists often blend traditional folklore with genres like rock and pop, creating a dynamic and vibrant musical culture that both preserves tradition and embraces innovation.
The rich cultural influences in Argentina have also given rise to deeply rooted social tensions. Racism and discrimination against Indigenous peoples and the Afro-Argentinian population are widespread. Indigenous communities are systematically marginalized, and their cultural traditions are often suppressed. Similarly, Afro-Argentinians face significant prejudice and exclusion, to the extent that their identity as Argentinians is frequently denied.
It is crucial to challenge the official narrative of a “white” Argentina. Those engaging with Argentinian culture—such as through music and dance, as we do—carry a responsibility to advocate for recognition and equality. We regularly reflect on and engage with these issues as part of our work.
