חֲנֻכָּה(Hanukkah) en 🇦🇷 Argentina

Hanukkah in Argentina is celebrated by Latin America's largest Jewish community, numbering approximately 180,000 to 250,000, concentrated primarily in Buenos Aires. The celebration takes on a unique character as it falls during the Argentine summer, giving it a very different atmosphere from the wintry Hanukkah of the Northern Hemisphere.

The lighting of the menorah in homes and synagogues is the central ritual. Buenos Aires' Jewish neighborhoods of Once and Belgrano see increased activity during the eight days, with kosher bakeries selling sufganiyot and shops displaying menorahs and dreidels. The AMIA Jewish community center and the many synagogues of Buenos Aires host special Hanukkah events.

Argentine Jewish Hanukkah cuisine blends traditional Ashkenazi foods with local influences. Latkes are prepared alongside empanadas, and sufganiyot sit next to facturas, Argentine pastries. The asado tradition sometimes merges with Hanukkah celebrations, with families holding outdoor barbecues where kosher meat is grilled alongside traditional Hanukkah foods.

Public menorah lightings take place in Plaza de Mayo and other prominent locations, organized by Chabad Argentina. The Argentine government has historically participated in these events, reflecting the country's recognition of its Jewish community. Hanukkah in Argentina is also a time of remembrance for the victims of the AMIA bombing and a reaffirmation of the community's resilience.

Festividad judía de las luces de ocho días que conmemora la rededicación del Segundo Templo de Jerusalén y el milagro del aceite, celebrada encendiendo la menorá, haciendo girar el dreidel y comiendo alimentos fritos en aceite.