Virginia | Rosario, Argentina
An avid traveler and culture aficionado, Virginia is also one of InterEcho's tenured and brilliant Latin American Cultural Strategists and Transcreators. She shares some inside tips about exploring her hometown; Rosario, Argentina.
What should we know about Rosario?
“Is Rosario that dangerous?” Someone asked me while trekking in Patagonia. I was taken aback by their concern. Here is what you need to know about Rosario:
Home to Argentina’s Flag Monument, Rosario is a city of stark contrasts with more than a million inhabitants. Unfortunately, over the last decade, the city has been plagued by violence and insecurity related to drug trafficking. This has led to the federal government sending army forces to protect the city. But should this deter you from visiting? The answer is a resounding no.
Rosario is an openly LGBT-friendly town that has a genuine atmosphere, a vibrant and massive cultural scene, fantastic and affordable dining options, and a fascinating soccer culture.
Unlike Buenos Aires, Rosario is not a massive metropolis, and its landmarks are within walking distance, such as the striking Flag Monument, the waterfront Parque de España, and its largest and oldest public park, the Park of Independence.
Although it's convenient to keep your phone and camera tucked away, exploring the city provides an excellent opportunity to connect with yourself and the locals. As foreigners are a rare sight in Rosario, you'll be welcomed as a fellow "Rosarino" if you strike up a conversation with a local. You might even get invited to a party or a home-cooked meal at a family dinner. For real!
What is a unique place we should not miss?
The wetlands. Rosario might seem like a colossal concrete jungle (quite literally!) because temperatures can rise to 113°F in the summer, but right across the city center you’ll find the Paraná Delta, a pristine scenery of lush islands teeming with wildlife and vegetation where you can truly immerse yourself in the raw power of the Pachamama, Mother Nature, and connect with the natural world in its purest form.
To experience this magnificent environment for yourself, you'll need to cross the Paraná River. You can hire a boat or book a tour to explore the wetlands by kayaking or fishing, or even spend a night camping or staying in a rustic cabin. While the wetlands themselves are no secret, many locals do not take full advantage of this natural wonder, which is why I recommend getting in touch with a local guide in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Paraná River's brown color is due to silt, not pollution! People will tell you that it’s one of the widest rivers in the world and it is! The Delta is part of the river.
What would make a visit more immersive?
Rosarinos are open, outgoing, and extremely friendly with tourists. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, believe it or not, all you have to do is ask for it. While it may seem unusual, many locals would be thrilled to show you around and share their culture with you. If you have a particular interest or hobby, consider looking for local Facebook groups or using social media apps to connect with locals. They will be delighted to do some proper sightseeing with you.
We’re open to other cultures and we don’t get a lot of foreign visitors, so you’ll be welcomed like a rock star. Just there’s one thing, be prepared to be greeted with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, and to drink some Mate, a native drink made from leaves of yerba mate plant. You might screw up your face in disgust because mate is so bitter, but no worries! No one will take offence, we’re friendly folk.
As a wordsmith with more than 10 years of experience, I feel like a translation ninja wielding a double sword within the creative arena. As a Transcreator, I enable companies to recreate their brand identities in Latin America with local, organic and genuine copies for social media, marketing campaigns, and websites. Just like my namesake, Virginia Woolf, I believe in the power of language to stimulate the senses, evoke emotions, and engage your attention.
There are 400 million Spanish-speaking people in Latin America and I help you connect with them by capturing the essence of your creative content and delivering nuanced, natural and culturally appropriate translations.
- Virginia Casagrande
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