International Day of Tango - Dec 11

Yes, it's the the International Day of Tango on Dec 11!

Noting this day every year began as a joint birthday celebration for both Carlos Gardel, the most famous and beloved Argentine Tango singers ever, and Julio De Caro, one of the most influential tango composers and orchestra conductors. Both of these tango greats had birthdays on December 11.

In 1965, the idea of the celebration was proposed to the Buenos Aires Secretary of Culture. Eleven years passed before the idea became a reality, and now "11 December" is recognized by tanguer@s everywhere.

Carlos Gardel (born Charles Romuald Gardès; 11 December 1890 – 24 June 1935) was a French-Argentine singer, songwriter, composer and actor, and the most prominent figure in the history of tango. Gardel's baritone voice and the dramatic phrasing of his lyrics made  masterpieces of his tango recordings. Gardel collaboratively wrote several classic tangos; amongst his most famous works are Mi Buenos Aires Querido (1934), Por una cabeza (1935), and Volver (1934). Gardel died in a plane crash at the height of his career and was mourned throughout Latin America. Even though his music is not played for dancing, for many, Gardel embodies the soul of tango style.

Julio De Caro (11 December 1899 - 11 March 1980) was a violinist, leader and composer. Out of his enormous work, De Caro composed or co-composed these notable classic tangos: “Boedo”, “Tierra querida”,  “Copacabana (Nido de Amor)”, “El monito”, “Guardia vieja”, “La rayuela”, “Mala junta”, “Mala pinta”, “Orgullo criollo”, “Tiny” and “Todo corazón”.

Happy birthday, Carlos. Happy birthday Julio.

Happy birthday, Tango!