The Tango: Unesco World Heritage

The Argentine and Uruguayan tradition of tango, now known worldwide, was born in the basin of the Río de la Plata, among the working classes of the cities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. In this region, where European immigrants, descendants of African slaves, and natives (criollos) mingle, there was a blend of customs, beliefs, and rituals that transformed into a specific cultural identity. Among the most characteristic expressions of this identity are the music, dance, and poetry of tango, which are both an embodiment and a vehicle for diversity and cultural dialogue. Practiced in milongas –typical dance halls– of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, tango has spread the spirit of its community throughout the world, adapting to new environments and the passage of time. This community today includes musicians, professional and amateur dancers, choreographers, composers, lyricists, and teachers who teach this art and reveal the living national treasures that embody tango culture. Tango is also present in celebrations of national heritage, both in Argentina and Uruguay, demonstrating the vast scope of this urban popular music.