Polo culture in Argentina
Polo has a vast presence in Argentina. It found a strong passion here, which made it become part of the Argentina history, its traditions and culture.
Polo arrived in Argentina together with the English immigrants in the middle of the 19th century.
The first polo match in Argentina dates back to 1875. Although polo was initially limited to aristocratic English players who lived in estancias in the province of Buenos Aires, more and more polo clubs were created.
In 1921 the Argentine Polo Association was founded. Thus Polo began to develop throughout the country, integrating more and more polo players born in Argentina. Today there are currently more than 300 clubs, 1,000 courts and 5,000 players throughout Argentina.
Each polo match is seen as a great event that exceeds the field. Once the game is over, it’s time to enjoy the afterpolo: a moment to enjoy Argentine gastronomy that ranges from asado and wine to “picadas”.
The three highest handicap tournaments in the world are played here. They are Tortugas, Hurlingham and the season closes with the Palermo Argentine Polo Open Championship, the largest competition.
In Argentina, polo is a lifestyle closely linked with the countryside and the Pampas, its traditions, values and folklore. There is a strong connection between the life of the gaucho and polo. Polo is definitely part of the culture of this country and something that makes Argentines very proud!