Argentine Festival to bring tango, wine, and soccer

Lucas El Moro (R), an Argentine Malambo champion, will lead free classes during the Argentine Festival on Sunday. Photos courtesy of the Consulate General of Argentina in Guangzhou

A vibrant celebration of Argentine culture featuring tango, wine tastings, folk dancing, and "drone soccer" will take place at the Central Plaza of Sea World in Shekou from Friday to Sunday.

The Argentine Festival will offer visitors an immersive experience with the South American country’s rich gastronomy, music, and diverse landscapes, according to the Consulate General of Argentina in Guangzhou, the festival’s organizer.

Attendees can sample traditional Argentine barbecue, mate tea, and wines from the famed Mendoza Province. A free wine tasting featuring labels from Rutini, Mesidor, el Porvenir,  and RJ Viñedo will be held daily at 5 p.m.

The event will also highlight Argentina’s iconic dance — the tango. Four schools from the region — Esperanza Tango School from Guangzhou, along with Shenzhen’s Luna Tango Club, Tango Argentino Shenzhen, and Tango Traza — will provide free beginner lessons throughout the weekend.

Festivalgoers join a lively social dance session during an Argentine Day celebration.

A special Milonga, or tango social dance, will be held Sunday. Organized by Tango Argentino Shenzhen, it will feature DJ Pablo and live music by Argentine saxophonist Guido Cabarcos.

Cabarcos, a saxophonist and guitarist trained at the Popular Music School of Avellaneda in Buenos Aires, will perform live tango classics Sunday.

Beyond tango, the festival will feature Argentine folk dance. Lucas El Moro, an Argentine Malambo champion, will teach free classes Sunday. Additional folk dance lessons will be offered by Miranda from Luna Tango on Friday and Saturday.

A tribute to legendary Argentine rock icon Charly García will be performed by Strauss, a Venezuelan pianist and singer based in Guangzhou, at 8 p.m. Saturday. García is widely credited with transforming the Latin American rock scene over his five-decade career.

Argentine performer Rocio Guchea showcases her hula hooping skills during a performance.

Family-friendly activities include a Sunday morning circus performance by Argentine artist Rocio Guchea, who specializes in hula hooping, contortion, and clowning.

Football, another Argentine passion, will be represented through freestyle shows by Xie Hua, recognized as one of China’s top freestyle football artists. He and his partner, Xie Lingfeng, will perform and host a free class Saturday afternoon.

Spectators cheer on a thrilling "drone soccer" match.

Blending Argentine football spirit with Chinese innovation, the festival will also feature "drone soccer," an emerging tech sport where participants pilot drones inside protective spheres. The activity will be available for public trial throughout the festival.

The Argentine Festival aims to create a bridge between cultures, allowing international audiences in China to explore the South American nation’s traditions and contemporary attractions.