Perhaps you have heard Avellaneda is known as the National Capital of Football. It is a partido in Buenos Aires Province. Let’s dive into its story.
Avellaneda sits in the Greater Buenos Aires urban area. The Matanza River separates it from the city of Buenos Aires. This river is also known as Riachuelo. The Bartolomé Mitre is Avellaneda’s main avenue. It connects to Buenos Aires via two bridges. These are the Pueyrredón Bridge and the New Pueyrredón Bridge. The Nicolás Avellaneda Bridge links Isla Maciel with La Boca.
Avellaneda was once called Barracas al Sud. This translates to Southern Barracks. In 1904 it was renamed to honor Nicolás Avellaneda. He was a former president of Argentina.
Avellaneda is divided into cities and localidades. These include Avellaneda, Crucecita and Dock Sud. Others are Gerli, Piñeiro and Sarandí. Villa Domínico and Wilde are also included. Between Dock Sud, Sarandí, Villa Domínico and Wilde is the Reserva Cinturón Ecológico. It is a network of waste dumps planted with greenery.
Avellaneda is famous for its football clubs. Two of Argentina’s most famous clubs call Avellaneda home. These are Independiente and Racing. Other football teams include Arsenal de Sarandí. San Telmo, Dock Sud and Victoriano Arenas also play here.
In the mid-1940s Avellaneda became a Peronist center. Rural migrants demonstrated for Perón’s return from exile. They were known as descamisados. This means shirtless ones.
Avellaneda’s port facilities handle wool, hides and animal products. The county was formally established in 1852. Vicente López expropriated land from Quilmes to create it.
Avellaneda experienced rapid commercial growth in the 20th century. This was based on processing hides, wool and meat. The city of Avellaneda has two large football clubs. Both have won championships in America and the world. These are Racing Club and Club Atlético Independiente. They both have social headquarters, schools and stadiums in the city.
In the 20th century Avellaneda was a metal-mechanic industry hub. It also had a large railway presence. This declined after the 1976-1983 civic-military dictatorship.
Avellaneda’s main road is Presidente Bartolomé Mitre Avenue. It starts at the Pueyrredón Bridge. This bridge has the most traffic between Avellaneda and Buenos Aires.
In 2020 the Senate declared Avellaneda the National Capital of Football. The Teatro Roma is a cultural and architectural gem. It opened in 1904.
Avellaneda has a Municipal Center of Art. It has exhibition halls and recording studios. The Parque Multipropósito La Estación offers recreational spaces. It has playgrounds and a bike path.
Avellaneda is more than just football and industry. It is a city with a rich history. Its culture and resilience make it a unique place in Argentina. As we conclude our visit remember Avellaneda’s transformation from Southern Barracks to the National Capital of Football.