Corrientes Avenue: Argentina’s “Broadway” Gets a Gala Makeover

Lanzamiento de la nueva Avenida Corrientes, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Few streets in Buenos Aires are as emblematic as Corrientes Avenue, with its variety of theaters, bars, restaurants, stores, entertainment venues, as well as the imposing Obelisk that marks the spiritual center of the city. Now, Argentina’s answer to Broadway was relaunched to compete with its New York sibling.

Lanzamiento de la nueva Avenida Corrientes, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Corrientes Avenue: More Pedestrian Friendly

After 15 months of work, planning and an investment of 275 million Argentine pesos, the Government of the City of Buenos Aires officially opened the “New Corrientes” to the delight of all citizens and visitors. The seven city blocks between Callao and Cerrito have been renovated to allow improved travel on foot and become exclusive to pedestrians at night. (7:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.)

As a result, Corrientes now has a wide pedestrian path, ideal for frequent passers-by and those who only come for a night of drinks and stand-up. The avenue also has two lanes for daytime vehicular transport travenling West to East, as well as multiple stations on the Subte B subway line. “Pathways such as Avenida Paulista Aberta de San Pablo or London’s Exhibition Road were taken as references; as wel as Times Square in New York,” according to the official press release from the Government of the City of Buenos Aires.

Instituto Superior de Arte del Teatro Colón (ISATC), ubicado en Av. Corrientes, participó en el evento de relanzamiento de la avenida con su Orquesta Académica y muestras artísticas por parte de los estudiantes de sus diversas disciplinas
The Colón Theater’s Instituto Superior de Arte (ISATC), located at Corrientes Ave., took park in the relaunch ceremony with its Academy Orchestra, as well as artistic presentations from its students.
Businesses like Havanna that reside among the seven blocks of the New Corrientes Ave. got ready for the opening ceremony.
Businesses like Havanna that reside among the seven blocks of the New Corrientes Ave. got ready for the opening ceremony.

A Spectacular Celebration

The official inauguration event of the New Corrientes took place last Saturday April 13 with a massive celebration. The new pedestrian path was revealed from behind a huge stage curtain at 6:00 p.m. Then the avenue filled with shows, outdoor theater, music, dance and more than 350 artists interacting with the crowds.

Activities included musical acts in the street’s balconies, street theater, contests, dance troupes, tightrope walkers, as well as the Academy Orchestra from the Colón Theater’s Instituto Superior de Arte (located in Corrientes near Rodríguez Peña). Students from the various disciplines taught at the Institute also showed their talent to the crowds.

The New Corrientes Opening Event is over, but the new Corrientes for pedestrians is waiting for you. Visit it and enjoy whenever you please. Regardless of the day and time, you will surely find something fun to do.

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Corrientes Avenue, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Source: GCBA / YouTube