Notable Bars: El Colonial was declared a site of cultural interest

The Legislature of the City of Buenos Aires declared site of cultural interest to the traditional bar The Colonialone of the most beloved notable cafes in the historic center. The distinction was formalized during an event held on the façade of the premises—located on its classic corner of Perú and Belgrano—where A plaque was discovered that recognizes its value for the Buenos Aires identity.

The ceremony was led by the legislator Graciela Ocaña, promoter of the initiative. When speaking, he highlighted the social and cultural function that the bar has been fulfilling for decades in urban life: «For me it is a great honor to be able to unveil this plaque, which is a recognition that we wanted to give as an initiative to this bar that is typical of this corner of the City of Buenos Aires. Those of us who live in the area and pass through know that it is a meeting place and, ultimately, that it has hosted great cultural references throughout history.»

The tribute especially moved Julieta Vazquezowner of El Colonial and daughter of the founders. With a broken voice, he reviewed the family history that has sustained the bar for more than half a century.

“For me, the El Colonial bar is very important, not only because there is something emotional, that is, it was started by my father, but because I tried from my place, as a graduate in human resources, to give it a twist by encouraging cultural talks,” said Vázquez.

Vázquez highlighted the role of Galician and Asturian immigration in the genesis of these spaces that still define the physiognomy of Buenos Aires: «My mother arrived in 1949 from Asturias, crossed the ocean, dived into this great ocean, and married my father in 1967. My Galician father arrived in 1958 and they formed a beautiful family. The legacy continues today with a leadership that mixes tradition and renewal. Today The Colonial is family, it is feeling, and this is my second home, and I want it to be the second home for everyone,” he added.

“I thank my parents and my brother, who is a chef, with whom we joined forces to manage this bar from the simplest and simplest aspect of a family,” he highlighted.

Finally, Vázquez dedicated a special thank you: “Thanks to Graciela Ocaña and her team for taking the proposal, and to the Notable Bars commission also for voting in favor.”

With this distinction, El Colonial joins the list of notable bars recognized for their contribution to the memory and cultural life of Buenos Airesreaffirming its place as a meeting point, neighborhood refuge and icon of Buenos Aires identity.