Guns & Weapons from Argentina

The Dutch in Argentina
Topic: Dutch Community

Argentina and its little Holland

We always emphasize on the fact that Argentina is a melting pot society, that our nation is the result of an interesting combination of a broad variety of cultures and idiosyncrasies. And though it’s always strengthen the fact that Italians and Spaniards were the ground foundation of the immigrant flow, there are also other strong cultures that should be highlighted.

Just a couple of years ago, in Argentina no-one thought of a tied relationship with the Netherlands in terms of historical background. Once one of our citizens fell in love with Prince Willem Alexander, we began to look a little further into our culture and history. And it has been a pleasant surprise to discover a long history of bonds and influences.

The case of the town of Tres Arroyos (Three Streams) in the province of Buenos Aires, only 500 km away from the city of BA is a living proof of this. This town beholds the largest community of Dutch-Argentines in the country.

The story begins in 1889, when a terrible hunger struck Europe and forced millions out of their homelands. Argentina was ready and opened its doors –figuratively- to all of them in need of land and work.

Today, 117 years later, Queen Beatriz of Holland, Prince William and Maxima, his wife Princess have come on official visit to strengthen those long established bonds.

These Dutch Argentines are a true example of syncretism and a global world that has been global even before we began to refer to it as such. They brought their own culture, their religion and their way of life and sustain. Shared their knowledge and life experience with those who welcomed them openhearted, and today, they cherish their history because they have two motherlands.

The first 50 families who shipped off the port of Amsterdam arrived to Buenos Aires onboard of the Leerdam Steam Ship. Their first home was the Immigrants hotel on Arroyo St. today the breathtaking Sofitel Hotel [1]. They then head off to Tres Arroyos, and its everlasting rich fields.

Ziljstra, Banninga, Wilgenhoff, Van der Molen, Van der Ploeg, Blom, De Vries, Hemkes, Cansen are just of the many pioneer families who started from scratch and ended up building a loving and proud bi-national community. We’re all so proud of.

The Argentine Dutch Association is an independent institution created back in the early 1920s.

In spite of the fact that there is no true and original Dutch restaurants in Buenos Aires or other European cuisine restaurants serving Dutch traditional cuisine, there’s indeed a monthly event at the Van Joning bar in Las Canitas Buenos Aires, at Baez 325, were you can enjoy a traditional Netherlands like happy hour and celebrate three of the most important national Dutch holidays: Queen day on April 30th, Laeiden Liberation or Herring fest on October 4th and Saint Nicolas celebration on December 5th.


[1]For further detail, check our history on that famous building.Topic: Buildings & Bridges in Argetina.

The famous Arroyo St. Undertaking a personality problem.



It was not many days ago that a Buenos Aires city deputy proposed to change the name of the famous art gallery and antique shop street, from Arroyo to John Paul 2nd.

A huge debate arose ever since the proposal went public. For once, this is a traditional street that's become thru means of time and its own cultural feel a trademark of our city, our arts and style.

Notwithstanding the importance of the recently gone Pope, his doings have much more to do with a personal decision and religious practice; not very much to do with what Arroyo stands for in our cultural history.

While it really doesn't make sense to rise to a debate about being in favour or against the name itself, our question regarding this matter stands on the fact that we do not see the need of this change. Specially due to the fact that there's nothing wrong with the current denomination.


For more information: Email: Bob Frassinetti. Press here to go back to web blog:Daily Updates on Art, Antiques, Collectibles as well as travel information for Buenos Aires, Argentina. You can also chat with me thru Yahoo, press here: Yahoo Contact