A date to welcome spring
In Argentina, September 21 is celebrated as Día de la Primavera, or Spring Day. It is a cultural calendar date. Astronomical spring begins at the September equinox, whose exact timing varies from year to year; it does not necessarily fall on September 21. Buenos Aires’ Planetario explains the distinction.
Why it is also Student’s Day
The same date is Día del Estudiante. Its history is distinct from the seasonal celebration. According to Argentina’s national education portal, the observance began in 1902 at the initiative of Salvador Debenedetti, then a student leader at the University of Buenos Aires. September 21 commemorated the 1888 repatriation of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento’s remains.
Picnics, music and friends
For many students and young people, the date is an opportunity to meet friends outdoors. Picnics in parks and squares are a familiar part of the celebration. Some groups share mate, bring a guitar or simply spend time together. These are examples, not a fixed programme followed by everyone.
Beyond marking a change of season, Spring Day can be an excuse to get together with friends. What people do varies with the place, weather and their own plans.