How to Survive Demonstrations in Buenos Aires

In remembrance of the 12th anniversary of the Corralito episode, when the president took off in a helicopter after freezing everyone’s bank accounts, a great protest near the Obelisk is scheduled to take place. To help you overcome this, and other protests that you might run into during your time in the city, we have some tips on how to survive demonstrations in Buenos Aires. If there’s something more common in Buenos Aires than medialunas, it’s a demonstration just round the corner. Demonstrations are part of porteño culture and their right to protest, and they certainly make good use of it! Almost every day in Buenos Aires, you’ll see at least one taking place in the city. But don’t sweat it, because you see a swarm of people against their government or because they want free satellite TV in their homes. The demonstrations in Buenos Aires are usually fairly peaceful and will not threaten you (unless you’re the cause of the uprise!). [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="540"] How to Survive Demonstrations in Buenos Aires / source[/caption] So, here are a few tips on how to survive demonstrations in Buenos Aires - or even enjoy them:

1) Avoid the streets where demonstrations are taking place:

The Obelisco, Avenida de Mayo and Diagonal Norte are the most common places where demonstrations take place. Ask for information at the hotel you’re staying, watch the morning news or check the government website to see if any streets have been blocked due to demonstrations in Buenos Aires. If it is not of your interest, once you know where the protesters are, try not to cross their way. Change your itinerary for the next day and stay out of the protesters’ way.

2) Be patient and get around the demonstration area:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Indian protesters in the 9 de Julio Ave. claim for a law to protect their lands.[/caption] Patience it is a very important attitude in a country full of unforeseen situations like Argentina.  If you can’t avoid the protest, learn how to get around it. If you’re waiting for a transfer at your hotel and are surrounded by chanting demonstrators, take into account that your transfers will probably be delayed and it could be a good idea to call your tour agency to receive instructions about what to do or to arrange a better place to meet. Don’t worry if the street is suddenly hit by a mob and your bus or taxi can’t access it. Buenos Aires has an excellent subway coverage and you should be able to go ahead with your plans, unless of course, the mob are protesting against subway workers! There are some demonstrations that can happen spontaneously. Stay tuned to the mood of the people around you, especially if a lot of people start moving towards where you are. Stay calm and simply get around them. If you’re walking and they are in the way, search for side streets to pass by them- there’s always a way in Buenos Aires!

3) Join the demonstration and be part of the crowd:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Citizens banging on pots during a demonstration in Buenos Aires[/caption] If it’s your last day in Buenos Aires and you want to visit the Casa Rosada and the demonstrators are all there, well… join them! Some demonstrations are called "cacerolazos" from the word "pot" or "cacerola" in Spanish. During the 2001 crisis, Argentineans went to the streets banging on their home pots and pans to show their unhappiness with their situation and grab government attention. Try to understand what they’re protesting against, learn the chants and be part of a legitimate porteño cultural event. Take pictures, talk to the people and just enjoy the experience. Many demonstrations are very organized and peaceful but be specially careful if you meet by chance a demonstration of football supporters. In that case, turn around and avoid passing them at all costs. Even if you support their club, things tend to lose control when football is involved in Argentina. Whatever your choice may be, don’t panic. Embrace the demonstrations in Buenos Aires as part of the  culture and city life and allow them make your travel experience in the city even richer. So if you find yourself in the middle of political demonstrators or spontaneous protests, remember the above tips on how to survive demonstrations in Buenos Aires and you will be fine.

Besides that, BsAs4U Support Team is always available to provide help if you need to re-schedule your travel itinerary.

By Pedro Rocha | Edited by Milly Day