Yes, this weekend it’s all about Argentina’s quarterfinals match against Switzerland. But there is life apart from the World Cup (apparently), and Independence Day on July 9 will offer a chance to catch some folklore concerts and traditional peñas, as well as steaming bowls of locro. 

Once Thursday’s celebrations wind down, you can keep the momentum going before the match with acclaimed musicians, one-off restaurant pop-ups and a rare chance to revisit Richard Linklater’s beloved Before films on the big screen. 

As always, the Herald’s got you covered. 

Independence Day traditional celebrations

July 99 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Casa de la Cultura, Av. de Mayo 575)2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Usina del Arte, Agustín R. Caffarena 1)

On July 9, Buenos Aires City will celebrate Independence Day with concerts, folklore peñas and activities in museums, cultural spaces and iconic stages. At Casa de la Cultura, the former building of La Prensa newspaper, the program includes music and dancing shows as well as hot chocolate and churros.

Usina del Arte will be one of the main gathering spots, hosting a traditional peña: a day of music, dance and tradition with folk rhythms curated by DJ Ana Z, dance lessons, and a closing performance by Oiga! Orchestra

Before Sunrise Before Sunset at Cine York 

July 11, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.Cine York (Juan Bautista Alberdi 895, Olivos)Free admission, first come-first served

Before the national football team destroys our nerves again on Saturday night’s  quarterfinals, Cine York will host a perfect quiet afternoon with Richard Linklater’s marvelous Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, two-thirds of the trilogy that taught us everything we wanted and didn’t want to know about........

© Buenos Aires Herald