In Strangers' Arms

Feelings of impotence reign among porteños (people born in the port city of Buenos Aires) these days. I feel it in the air. Cab drivers tell me about it. Newspapers report it: government officials pad their pockets with funds that belong to the country.  For a change, the government had good news this week: Through the initiative of the governments of Argentina and Uruguay the UNESCO declared tango part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

On Thursday, posters featuring tango personalities were posted throughout the city. Many shrugged their shoulders about the news, they were quite aware that tango had reached all corners of the world by itself, and that it survived the most difficult economic and political times in Argentina without government involvement. Others were unfazed, as they thought that issues of unemployment and safety needed more attention than tango. Singer Nelly Omar said: “I am not interested in the honor. I could be excited if those in power will use the money to give new musicians the space they need to work.”

For the majority, the news is worthy of celebration.

Tags: Places