Gauchos

Gauchos are the nomadic people who live south of Buenos Aires in Las Pampas and in the Patagonia area. The term Gaucho comes from the Quechua word huachu meaning orphan or stray. Not agreeing with social integration and government participation, Gauchos roamed free in Argentina since the 1600s. However, now current land laws and boundaries prohibit this.

Many writers have romanticized the Gauchos as being truly patriotic, as they resisted European colonization and a mostly sedentary lifestyle. Gauchos lived from their horses—which provided transportation, their dress—typically a poncho that doubled as bedding, and the land.  Gauchos would make leather goods and herd and kill cattle. A Gaucho’s diet consisted mostly of steak—cooked freshly as there was no way to preserve the meat—and the classic Argentine drink Yerba mate (See our section on Mate).  Gauchos were skilled horsemen and were called upon to help fight in various wars, notably the fight for independence against Spain. When mass European immigration occurred, many Gauchos were forced to move in order for farmers to use the originally Gaucho land for cultivating agriculture. Settlers came to Las Pampas, and many Gauchos were employed to help them herd cattle and sheep—shrinking the size of the true, roaming Gaucho population. 

Today, the “Gauchos” that wander the streets of Buenos Aires are strictly for tourists, and are not true Gauchos.  Gaucho’s classic hats and boots are sold all over tourists spots of Argentina, and there are even farms in rural areas of Argentina where one can pay to be a “Gaucho for a Day” (http://www.clarin.com/diario/2008/02/29/um/m-01618047.htm).

Some Gauchos can still be found roaming Las Pampas helping to herd cattle and sheep.

tags: gauchos ·