by Martina, age 9 from Buenos Aires, Argentina, asks Santa about the novelty song, the Rio de la Plata, and the Nochebuena tradition.
Dear Santa, my name is Martina, and I am nine years old. I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where my abuela says tango, a passionate style of dance, was born right here in our own city.
Dear Martina, a city that gave the world such passionate dancing deserves a very spirited flyover, your abuela picked a truly rhythmic hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Is there a song called ‘Mamacita Donde Esta Santa Claus’? My tio hums a tune like that every December but I never knew if it was a real song.
There is a real, cheerful novelty song with a title very much like that, Martina, a fun little tune that has entertained families over the years. Your tio has good taste in silly holiday songs.
My abuela says Buenos Aires sits along the Rio de la Plata. Is that true?
It is true, Martina, the Rio de la Plata stretches along your city’s edge, one of the widest rivers in all of South America. I always enjoy that vast, glimmering water on my way to your rooftop.
My abuela says our big Christmas celebration actually happens on Christmas Eve, called Nochebuena, rather than Christmas Day. Is that true?
It is true, Martina, Nochebuena on Christmas Eve is the main celebration across much of Argentina, families gathering for a late night feast together. That kind of joyful, late-night togetherness is really the heart of an Argentine Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Martina Alonso
Buenos Aires, Argentina
P.S. Will you hum along with my tio’s song this year?
I will do my best, Martina, though my humming is better appreciated at a respectful distance.
