Every year on July 20, Argentina celebrates one of its warmest and most beloved holidays – Día del Amigo (Friend’s Day). For Argentines, this is not just a date on the calendar, but a true celebration of human relationships, trust, and sincere friendship.
The history of the holiday dates back to 1969. It was then that Argentine professor and doctor Enrique Ernesto Febbraro proposed celebrating Friend’s Day on July 20 – the day humanity made its historic moon landing. In his view, this event demonstrated that people are capable of uniting for great goals, and that friendship is a universal value for the entire world.
Today, Día del Amigo is one of Argentina’s most popular unofficial holidays. On this day, restaurants, cafes, and bars fill up with groups of friends, while phones and social networks overflow with greetings. Many venues have tables booked weeks in advance, as demand is so high that finding an available spot on the eve of the holiday is almost impossible.
For Argentines, friendship is an essential part of their culture and lifestyle. Here, people know how to stay in touch with friends for years, gathering regularly for a cup of coffee, a shared dinner, or traditional Argentine mate. That is why Friend’s Day has become a special symbol of human closeness and mutual support.
This holiday is a reminder that true friendship knows no borders, languages, or distances. Especially today, when the world is going through difficult times, human connections gain even greater significance. Friends help overcome hardships, inspire new achievements, and give a sense of belonging and warmth.
For many Ukrainians currently living in Argentina, Día del Amigo has also become a special day. It helps them feel part of a new society, find support, and build new friendships that often turn into a real family far from home.
On Friend’s Day, Argentines traditionally say a simple yet very important phrase: “Gracias por tu amistad” – “Thank you for your friendship.” And these exact words best convey the meaning of a holiday that has been uniting millions of people across the country for many decades.
After all, friendship is one of the most valuable treasures we have in life.
Author: Olena Zhukova
Photo: from the author archive