AfroArgentines

Afro-Argentines are Argentinians who identify as having African ancestry, including descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the territory of present-day Argentina and more recent African migrants. They form part of the country’s diverse cultural landscape and have contributed to its social, political, and artistic life.

History and demography

African people arrived in the region during the colonial era as slaves and, over time, established communities in major ports such as Buenos Aires. They also participated in the wars of independence and in the early social and cultural life of the country. Beginning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, large-scale European immigration reshaped Argentina’s demography and, alongside assimilation policies and social discrimination, contributed to a decline in visible Afro-Argentine communities. Since then, researchers and Afro-descendant organizations have emphasized that Afro-Argentine identity persists, even when undercounted in official statistics.

Population estimates and identification

Census data in Argentina has shown relatively small shares of the population self-identifying as Afro-descendant, and experts caution that the true numbers are likely higher due to historical invisibility and social stigma. Most scholars and advocacy groups place Afro-Argentines as a minority, with estimates commonly suggesting around one to a few percent of the population, though precise figures vary by source and methodology.

Culture and contributions

Afro-Argentine cultural influences include music, dance, and religious practices rooted in African diasporic traditions. Elements associated with African heritage have helped shape forms of popular music and dance in Argentina, and Afro-Argentine communities maintain cultural associations, oral histories, and celebrations that highlight their historical experiences.

Contemporary context

In recent decades, there has been growing scholarly research and local activism focused on recognizing Afro-Argentine history and rights, promoting education about Afro-Argentine heritage, and supporting communities in preserving their cultural identities.