Argentina celebrates Tradition Day on Saturday, honoring the customs and values that shape the country’s national identity.

The day commemorates the birth of José Hernández, the writer behind Martín Fierro, the epic poem that captures the life, struggles, and spirit of the Argentine gaucho — a central figure in the nation’s rural heritage.

Tradition Day pays tribute not only to Hernández but also to the popular traditions passed down from generation to generation.

In towns and cities across the country, the date serves as a reminder of Argentina’s cultural roots and the need to preserve the customs that define its national character.

The celebration underscores the enduring place of gaucho culture in the country’s collective memory.

Hernández is best remembered for Martín Fierro, published in two parts in 1872 and 1879, which portrays themes of honor, justice and the hardships faced by gauchos on the pampas.

The poem became a foundational work of Argentine literature and a symbol of national identity. I am running a few minutes late; my previous meeting is running over.

Beyond his literary legacy, Hernández wrote a practical manual for rural laborers and held political roles as a provincial deputy and senator, advocating for the rights of gauchos and farming communities.

Across Argentina, Tradition Day is marked with horseback parades, demonstrations of gaucho horsemanship, folk gatherings and food fairs featuring dishes such as asado, empanadas and locro.

These festivities aim to keep national customs alive, celebrating Argentina’s cultural heritage and honoring those who continue to uphold the traditions that have shaped the country’s identity.

AP Video by Cristian Kovadloff