Have you ever wondered how this celebration started and why it has become such a beloved date for Argentinians?
It all began in 1969 when an Argentinian named Enrique Ernesto Febbraro, inspired by the historic Apollo 11 moon landing, decided to propose a date dedicated to honoring friendship. Febbraro, a dentist and psychologist, believed that this event represented a symbol of unity and fraternity among nations and wanted to bring that spirit into the personal realm.
The Letter to a Friend: To spread his idea, Febbraro wrote an emotional "Letter to a Friend," inviting reflection on the value of friendship and the importance of nurturing and strengthening those special bonds that connect us with the people we love. The letter was published in various Argentinian media outlets and deeply resonated with people's hearts.
Thanks to the widespread circulation of the letter, July 20th began to be recognized as Friend's Day in Argentina, with official recognition coming in 1979. That year, the legislature of the province of Buenos Aires officially declared July 20th as Friend's Day across the province. Over time, this celebration gained popularity throughout the country and became a tradition deeply rooted in Argentinian culture.
Today, Friend's Day in Argentina is a highly anticipated and celebrated occasion by people of all ages. It offers us the opportunity to honor our friends, reminisce about special moments, and strengthen the bonds of friendship.
The spirit of friendship and camaraderie fostered by Enrique Ernesto Febbraro has reached different cultures around the world, promoting the importance of valuing and cherishing our friendships.
At Thonet & Vander, we want to take this occasion to thank all our friends for always being there, supporting us, and sharing unforgettable moments. Let’s celebrate friendship together on this Friend's Day.