Buenos Aires gets tango monument

By Daniel Schweimler
BBC News, Buenos Aires

Poets and musicians accompanied the statue from its workshop

Tango lovers in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, have commissioned a two-ton monument in homage to the country's favourite music - the tango.

They say it is the first time any city or country has honoured a style of music in this way.

The 3.5m (11ft 5in) high steel statue was driven down one of the main streets of Buenos Aires, from the workshop to the site where it will be erected.

The obvious question is: How come it has taken until now?

Global appeal

Tango has been an intrinsic part of Buenos Aires life from over 100 years ago when men danced with men while hanging around in the brothels of the growing city.

It evolved into a sophisticated style of dance and music that now has fans around the world, although all recognise Buenos Aires as its natural home.

There are statues and plaques all over the city to the greats of tango - Carlos Gardel, Osvaldo Pugliese and Astor Piazzolla - to name but a few.

But the steel bandoneon - a kind of accordion which is often the most distinctive sound in many tango songs - is the first homage to the tango in general.

The monument was taken on a 6km (3.7m) journey from its workshop to the site where it will be erected in the city's port area accompanied by poets and musicians.

The structure took six-and-a-half years to make, with money raised through donations and recitals.

It will be inaugurated by the Buenos Aires city council later this month - a dream come true for a city that dreams to the rhythm of the tango.