Years of Culture
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2025/11/12
After travelling to Japan to attend Expo 2025 Osaka earlier this year, the group set off to explore Latin America, immersing themselves in the music, food, traditions, and landscapes of this year’s partner countries.
The Years of Culture Influencer Ambassadors’ itinerary took them from Argentina’s elegant capital of Buenos Aires to the breathtaking glaciers of Patagonia, across Santiago’s vibrant cityscape in Chile, and onwards to the remote shores of Rapa Nui. But it was here, in Argentina, where their adventure across the continent started.
When asked about the trip, Khalifa Al-Haroon (@iloveqatar) was quick to emphasise that the magic of the trip didn’t solely lie in the places they visited, but in the strong sense of companionship within the group. “I don’t want to take away from the destinations, but the people we travelled with were perfect. We were all different and had different styles but we all got along.”
Often compared to the French capital for its wide boulevards, café culture, and elegant architecture, Buenos Aires pulses with an unmistakable Latin warmth and creative energy.
Reflecting on his first impressions, Abdulaziz Al-Ajail (@zozalajail) was struck by “how much it felt like Europe—but not exactly. It’s similar in many ways, yet at the same time so different. The scale of it, the energy, the mix… it’s vast, familiar yet unfamiliar, and that contrast really caught my attention.” Essa Al-Jamali (@ej) agreed that “the strong European influence in the architecture and lifestyle immediately stood out.”
Immersing themselves in local life, the group explored the colourful neighbourhoods and historic landmarks of Buenos Aires. They wandered through the famous district of La Boca, stepped inside the legendary La Bombonera stadium, and sampled empanadas and other local street food at the San Telmo Market.
They also enjoyed a day of polo at Puesto Viejo Estancia, one of Argentina’s most historic polo estates. Watching the elegance and precision of the riders and horses was a reminder of how the sport’s deep cultural significance in Argentina echoes Qatar’s own equestrian heritage.
For many in the group, one of the most memorable moments was an evening at the opulent Teatro Colón, witnessing the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra perform a seamless combination of Qatari and Tango-influenced pieces alongside classical symphonies. Noora shared that watching the orchestra perform at such a historic venue was profoundly moving, “Hearing Qatari and Argentinian music blend so beautifully was emotional; it felt like two worlds coming together in harmony.”
Dalal Al-Jafari (@dalalspot) also shared how the performance left a lasting impression: “In Buenos Aires, attending the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in Teatro Colón had the strongest impact on me… it’s not only that I got to attend such a wonder, but also the magical performance of the QPO.” Anas added that “the performance really touched me. I felt proud seeing Qatari musicians and tracks being performed on such a historic stage, sharing our culture with the world.”
After their time in the city, the group travelled to San Antonio de Areco, Argentina’s gaucho heartland, where traditions have been preserved for centuries. Gauchos are skilled horsemen who emerged in the 18th century as Argentina’s cowhands and rural folk heroes. Known for their bravery, independence, and horsemanship, they became symbols of national pride, representing freedom and connection to the land. There, the Ambassadors rode horses, shared stories, and joined in a traditional asado barbecue.
When asked about the cultural experience that left the strongest impression on him in Argentina, Abdulaziz explained that for him, it was definitely meeting the gauchos. “To see a group of people who’ve kept their culture alive for so long, and how they’ve become such a strong national symbol—it really left an impression. It felt like stepping into a living piece of history.”
For Anas, this time with the gaucho community also evoked a sense of familiarity. “Food was a very special part of the trip, especially in Argentina,” he described. “Watching the gauchos cook around the fire reminded me so much of our own majlis traditions in Qatar, gathering with friends around one table, sharing stories, and building bonds through food.”
Abdulrahman Al-Ashqar (@asalashqar) also appreciated the asado for its taste, the atmosphere, “and the way people gather around it. This made it more than just a meal; it was an experience full of warmth and connection.”
From Buenos Aires, the ambassadors headed south to El Calafate, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Los Glaciares National Park. Surrounded by the immense Perito Moreno and Upsala glaciers, the content creators experienced the raw power and serenity of Patagonia.
Abdulrahman described arriving as a moment he would never forget, “standing there surrounded by mountains, lakes, and endless skies felt like being in another world.”
“Patagonia really touched me,” Noora reflected. “Being surrounded by its untouched nature, the glaciers, and the wildlife felt pure and grounding. It reminded me how small we are next to nature’s beauty.”
Khalifa also described feeling like a true adventurer. “Seeing the fluffy glaciers was amazing because while they look gentle, they’re incredible forces that remind us how powerful nature is.”
Adding his own perspective, Abdulaziz shared that “Just being in that part of the world and realising it takes centuries for these massive ice formations to develop was humbling. It made me feel small in the best way possible.”
Throughout the trip, food continued to connect the group to local culture. Noora reflected, “Food always tells a story. Every meal felt like an introduction to the people, their history, their land, and their way of life.” Khalifa added that dishes like steak, empanadas, and alfajores were a delight: “It seems like those three things are a staple.” He continued, “When I travel, I always worry about finding something that suits my palate, but I was able to eat almost everything. It was also nice how restaurants went out of their way to make sure we got halal options.” Dalal also recalled her sweet tooth, “The mind-blowing alfajores — I believe I had around 30 of those, and still it wasn’t enough. I wonder how we can get these in Qatar?”
“The last meal we had together is the one I’ll never forget,” described Abdulaziz. “We weren’t just eating; we were sharing stories, laughing, and reflecting on everything we had experienced. It turned into this beautiful moment of connection that made the trip feel complete.”
As their time in Argentina came to a close, before travelling onwards to Chile, the ambassadors shared reflections on the parallels they encountered. Essa observed, “Experiencing Argentina’s football passion and gaucho lifestyle reminded me of Qatar’s strong pride in culture and traditions; from hospitality to the love of football and preserving our identity.”
Abdulaziz summed up the trip: “While cultures can look very different on the outside, the core values are often the same. Family, community, heritage—those are things we all share, no matter how different the ‘shell’ looks.”
Read about the rest of the group’s journey in Part 2, Adventures in Chile: Follow Qatar’s Influencer Ambassadors from Santiago to Rapa Nui.
Find out more about upcoming events in Doha and beyond, as part of the Qatar, Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture.
