Speaking calendar/Día de la Tradición
November 10th · Argentina

Día de la Tradición

Día de la Tradición (Tradition Day) celebrates the birth of José Hernández, the poet who wrote 'Martín Fierro', the masterpiece of Gaucho literature. It is a day to celebrate the gaucho (Argentine cowboy) culture, with horse parades, traditional music, and massive barbecues (asados). Today we're debating the modern cowboy—is the Gaucho spirit still relevant in a world of smartphones and big cities? We explore the soul of the pampas.

SPEAKING LESSONB1 / B2Discussion · Vocabulary · Activities
01 / LET’S TALK

Speaking Discussion

  1. What does the cowboy figure represent in your culture: freedom or the past?
  2. Is it possible to be traditional while also being modern at the same time?
  3. Why is horse culture still so strong in certain parts of the world?
  4. What is the one piece of literature that truly defines your country's spirit?
  5. Is national identity built on the people in the cities or the people in the country?
02 / PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

Activity 1: The Gaucho's Tale

You are a Gaucho from 100 years ago who has traveled to 2027. Explain why your way of life is still important using the word "Resilience".

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Justify your answer in 30 seconds:

  • "Life was better before technology made us soft."
  • "Barbecues are the best way to bring people together."
  • "Every child should learn how to ride a horse."