Spring Day is an informal holiday in Argentina, celebrated on 21 September, the conventional date of the beginning of spring! Though this is not a work-free public holiday, it coincides with Student's Day, which is a no-school day for students on all the levels of the education system. The holiday is therefore mostly observed and dominated by teenagers and young adults, which massively take on public parks, beaches and other outdoor venues in the larger cities, and enjoy sports or picnics. Moreover, local administrations usually offer the public a number of entertainment shows, such as free concerts.

Projects Abroad Argentina also celebrated spring last week, September 15th, at our monthly social. We had all had about enough of winter and it was time to welcome spring! Volunteers dressed in their brightest clothing and joined us in the office for a choripaneada (delicious chorizo sausage cooked on the grill served with bread) and sodas. We were about 35 in total and volunteers sat in a large circle chatting. We decorated the outside with colorful banners and small candle votives decorated the orange tree.

After we filled ourselves with food, it was time for the fun to begin...KARAOKE! The staff opened the night (and set the bar pretty high) by singing a hit by the Backstreet Boys. After we awed the crowd ;), the rest of the volunteers quickly formed groups and were singing. We heard Michael Jackson, Robbie Williams, Queen and Cindy Lauper (and many more). Many volunteers were laughing, dancing and singing along. It was a hit!

By the time the night ended it was pretty obvious that we were ready for spring. Watch out for summer and the fiesta we will have then!

Feliz primavera a todos!