Gauchos increasingly got more respect due to the fact that they made noble strides in Argentina’s military in the early 1800s. They were passionate about keeping Argentina free from Spanish rule, mainly because they wanted to defend their own lifestyle. Due to the gauchos’ dedication to fighting on behalf of Argentina, gradually they began to be looked at as far more than just low-class citizens. Although many gauchos were killed in battle, they were honored by a grateful nation. Today, a yearly holiday on June 16th celebrates the gauchos who fought in the War of Independence.
It is interesting to note that much of today’s Argentine cuisine comes from the gauchos. For example, asado, Argentina’s ever-popular roasted beef dish, comes from the fact that gauchos had to immediately cook their meat since they couldn’t preserve it. Gauchos also drank a great deal of yerba mate and had the ritual of making this drink a few times a day. The gauchos even have their own special dance called the Malambos. This flamenco style dance was inspired by the rhythm of horse hooves.
Eventually ranches wanted the gauchos for regular employment so they became less nomadic. Their work included taking care of sheep, helping repair fences and rounding up cattle.
Gauchos still work on ranches in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil to this day. When you study Spanish in Argentina, you can meet gauchos and learn more about their lifestyle. You will find that their enduring, larger than life persona is integral to the history of Argentina.