Medellin receives tango monument from Argentina (PHOTOS)

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In recognition of the tango culture in Medellin and in honor of the deceased tango dancer Carlos Gardel, Argentina on Wednesday presented Colombia with a “Homage to Tango” monument.

The statue, donated by Argentina’s national institute of tourism promotion (INPROTUR), was placed in Medellin’s Parque Biblioteca de Guayabal. The monument is indicative of the strong tango culture prevalent in Colombia’s second city as well as the growing cultural exchange between Colombia and Argentina.

The statue is also a tribute to the late famous tango dancer, Carlos Gardel, who died in a plane crash in Medellin in 1935. The unveiling ceremony was led by Argentine ambassador Celso Jaque and INPROTUR representatives.

“There are many reasons why we chose Medellin; this is the city where tango icon, Carlos Gardel died; we can also say [Medellin] is the quintessential tango city of Colombia; but fundamentally we decided on Medellin because we strongly identify with the people…the paisas,” said Jaque.

Before the official unveiling, the foundation was laid on June 24, 2012 to commemorate the 77th anniversary of Gardel’s death and the date of sixth International Tango Festival.

BACKROUND: Monument foundation laid June 24, 2012

The monument, which is a replica of the statue located in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, is the work of sculptor Estela Trevino and the engineer Alejando Coria. It is made of stainless steel, is three feet high and weighs two tons. The structure is modeled after a Bandoneon, an essential instrument in most tango essembles.

The president of the National Committee of Tango Monuments, Ruben Reale, said that “these replicas…plant a piece of Argentina in different parts of the world.”

BACKGROUND: Carlos Gardel’s Death and the International Tango Festival VI

BACKGROUND: Parque Biblioteca de Guayabal

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