Ever wondered why this charming little square is officially named Plazoleta Enrique Santos Discepolo? It has a story as captivating as the tangos Discepolo composed. This square sits where Parque Chacabuco meets Boedo. It is more than just a space. Plazoleta Enrique Santos Discepolo is a tribute to a multifaceted artist.
Enrique Santos Discepolo was a composer an actor and a poet. He gifted the world timeless tangos like Cambalache Cafetin de Buenos Aires and Uno. He also wrote the theatrical works Blum El organito and El hombre solo.
But here is a twist. Locals often call it Plaza Butteler. This name dates back to 1972. Before that some even knew it as Plaza Escondida meaning Hidden Square. The story of Plaza Butteler starts with Azucena Butteler. On November 12 1907 she donated this land to the city. Her wish was to build houses for workers. The condition was clear. The area had to bear her name. This wish was fulfilled.
The first stone was set on December 15 1907. Many important figures attended the ceremony. The President José Figueroa Alcorta and Nobel Prize winner Carlos Saavedra Lamas were present. Carlos Thays and Ramón Falcón also joined. Alfredo Palacios completed the list of notables. This marked the beginning of Buenos Aires first social neighborhood.
The neighborhood consists of 64 identical houses. They are located between Zelarrayán Senillosa La Plata Avenue and Cobo Avenue. Each house is divided into four sections. They have two rooms and an interior patio. Cream-colored walls and wooden doors give them a unique charm. The house numbering is also special. It progresses linearly from 1 to 99 counterclockwise due to the street’s X shape.
In the heart of this X-shaped street lies our Plazoleta Enrique Santos Discepolo. Azucena Butteler street is just three meters wide here. In 2004 the plaza became the first characterized square. Murals were painted on the facades of houses facing the plaza. A bust was erected to honor Discepolo the man behind Yira Yira and Cambalache. The original bust however faced some troubles. Inaugurated in 1976 at the Teatro Presidente Alvear it was moved to the Plazoleta Santos Discepolo in 1980. Sadly in 1982 it was damaged in an attack.
The original fibrocement bust was removed on February 17 1982. On May 11 1983 the current bronze statue replaced it. It is 0.80 meters high. It stands on a masonry base.
This small square encapsulates a rich history. It is a blend of social housing initiatives artistic recognition and community identity. Plazoleta Enrique Santos Discepolo is a treasure. It embodies the spirit of Parque Chacabuco and Buenos Aires. The area was declared a Historic Protection Area in 2010. This ensures that its architectural and historical heritage will be preserved. As you stand here remember the layers of history beneath your feet. Think of Azucena Butteler’s generosity and Enrique Santos Discepolo’s art. Feel the pulse of a community that cherishes its past.