5 fun facts about Argentina.

When most of us think of Argentina, our minds flood with images of juicy steaks, twirling tangos and packed out football stadiums. However, there is so much more to Argentina than clichés (although we’ll never say no to an asado)!

So without further ado, here are my five fun facts about Argentina!

1. Argentina produced the world’s first animated feature film in 1917. Yep someone beat Walt Disney to that.

Quirino Cristiano made the 70-minute animated feature film, El Apostol to tell the story of high levels of corruption and immorality in Argentina at the time.

He later said he got inspired after meeting with Walt Disney in Latin America (Walt Disney and animated feature films❤️)

1. Argentina is home to both the highest and lowest points of the Southern Hemisphere.

Mount Aconcagua, located in Mendoza, marks the highest point of the Southern Hemisphere, with a peak of 6,962 metres. The first recorded ascent of Aconcagua took place in 1897 and was led by the famous British mountaineer Edward FitzGerald
In contrast, the lowest point of the Southern Hemisphere is Laguna del Carbon, a salt lake that sits in the Santa Cruz province. Translating to ‘coal lagoon’, this basin sits 105 metres below sea level and is also the seventh-lowest point on the planet.

1. The capital of Argentina Buenos Aires translates to the ‘good airs’ or ‘fair winds’.
   

Pedro de Mendoza, was responsible for establishing and naming the port town of Buenos Aires. He was a devotee of Santa Maria del Buen Ayre, The Virgin Mary of Good Air.

1. Argentina’s most famous freedom fighter Che Guevara’s name was actually Ernesto Guevara
   

As a child, Che was familiar with being called Ernestito (meaning ‘Little Ernest’). However, once he was older, he earned his name Che (meaning 'mate' or 'man' in local Spanish)because of his frequent use of the expression.

1. Government officials banned parents from naming their children Messi in the football star’s hometown

It is pretty much impossible to talk about Argentina and not mention football.
Legendary sportsman Lionel Messi has inspired millions across the world and nowhere more so than in his hometown of Rosario in Argentina.

After resident Héctor Varela named his son after the soccer star, government officials banned parents from naming their children after Messi, worrying about confusion later down the line if the name was to become too fashionable.

There you have it.

What are some facts you know about certain places?. We'll love to find out in the comment section below 👇👇

Source: https://southamericabackpacker.com/facts-about-argentina/