Origin and History of Passover in Argentina
Passover or Pesach is the biggest festival of Jews celebrated with much dedication and enthusiasm around the world. Passover is sometimes referred to as the ‘birth’ of the Jewish Nation as it commemorates the exodus of Jews from Egypt after 210 years of slavery. Therefore, this holiday has become a festive season known as the ‘holiday of freedom’. Passover is a seven or eight day festival that begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. Argentina is ranked seventh with the largest Jewish population in the world and the largest in Latin America. Argentina is a beautiful country situated in the South America, surrounded by Andes Mountains in the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Being one of the nations with a large Jewish population, Argentina celebrates Passover festival with some traditional customs and traditions.
Local name: Pesach
Ways to celeberate Pesach in Argentina
Passover is a time of grand celebrations and merriment in Argentina. In fact, this holy festival holds a prominent significance in Argentina’s social calendar. Though Passover falls in the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere, but Argentina observes it during the fall due to its southern location. Similar to other Jewish influenced countries, Argentina follows traditional customs while observing Passover. On this holy occasion, every Jewish household starts preparing special Passover foods that are traditionally known as the Seder meal. The Unleavened Bread (bread baked without yeast) is consumed as the traditional food during the seven days of Passover. Along with this, the meal includes a special delicacy known as albondigas de papas, avocado and lettuce salad, chicken soup with matzoh balls, roast chicken, and Kishke (dish of intestines stuffed with potatoes, matzoh meal, eggs, chicken fat, and spices). Apart from these traditionally made foods, people have now started getting store-bought staples as well.
