International Tango Festival and World Cup (Mundial de Tango)

From Aug. 8-21, thousands of tango enthusiasts from around the world descended on Buenos Aires for this multi-faceted event. The city was buzzing with dance competitions, street tango, and free events including conferences, lectures and other tango themed activities to celebrate Argentina’s iconic dance. The Mundial de Tango is the most important international tango championship where hundreds of dancers compete for a place in the finals at Luna Park stadium. The Mundial has two categories: traditional tango salon (improvised – dancers do not know what music they will have to dance to), and escenario (choreographed stage tango). Tango aficionados can immerse themselves in the local scene year-round with these authentic tango experiences in Buenos Aires. Below is a sampling of activities: La Boca: The neighborhood famous for its colorful houses, tango and soccer team, is the one spot that makes every visitor’s agenda and Instagram. La Boca was the neighborhood where immigrants first established themselves when arriving in Buenos Aires. Visitors can catch tango street performances in the neighborhood. Carlos Gardel House Museum: Dedicated to Carlos Gardel, located in the legendary tango singer’s former home the museum features a collection of personal items, photographs and examples of his work. The venue also hosts concerts and film screenings. Escuela Mariposita: While the improvised dance is famous for requiring patience and dedication, a class can give insight to how the dance works, while four or five classes are enough to master a basic sequence to brave the dancefloor at a milonga. Located in an old San Telmo mansion, the Escuela Mariposita is a boutique hotel, tango school, and cultural center. It offers group tango classes for all levels, regular tango workshops, intensive tango weeks, private lessons and other classes. El Viejo Almacen: As one of the city’s most traditional tanguerías, many tango greats have graced the stage. Event details can be found here.