Now, I’ll admit, I’ve been curious about this place, but I haven’t had the chance to visit yet. Fortunately, an acquaintance of ours was raised in Bolívar and visits his mom there frequently. During his last trip, I asked if he wouldn’t mind taking a few photos of Bolívar and sharing some details about what the town is like — and he was more than happy to oblige.
It's Home To Marcelo Tinelli
Bolívar is home to the famous Argentine TV host Marcelo Tinelli, who is known for his generosity, especially in his hometown. He even donated money to restore the only movie theater in Bolívar, but unfortunately, the money never made it into the right hands.
Bolívar is home to the famous Argentine TV host Marcelo Tinelli, who is known for his generosity, especially in his hometown. He even donated money to restore the only movie theater in Bolívar, but unfortunately, the money never made it into the right hands.
The Perks Of Living In Bolivar
According to our acquaintance, one huge advantage of living in Bolívar is that it's more secure, safer, and quieter than La CABA or even Córdoba. It's also the kind of town where everyone knows you, which could be both an advantage and a disadvantage. You really can’t mess up in Bolívar — at least, not without the entire town finding out about it. So, I’m guessing cheating scandals are pretty rare here.
The Entertainment Value
There’s only one movie theater in the entire town, and it can only play two movies at a time. But you can always hang out with your friends at Grido, a popular ice cream shop in Argentina. On a nice, sunny day, you can spend time at the park, or head to the main square and sit between the sidewalk and the parking lot — just talking and relaxing.
What You Won't Find
Just don’t expect to hang out at the mall — there isn’t one. And you can say goodbye to a Big Mac or Chicken McNuggets, because Bolívar doesn’t have any American fast food joints. Maybe someday, but not now.
Supermarkets
You won’t find Disco, Libertad, or even a Walmart in Bolívar either. But you will find a decent supermarket that’s equivalent to one of these three popular chains.
Don't Drink The Water
In Córdoba, most people drink from the tap. I know I certainly have — and to this day, I haven’t died. But in Bolívar, the tap water is bad. Aside from bacterial contaminants, there are low levels of arsenic, which is why locals buy plenty of bottled water instead.
In Córdoba, most people drink from the tap. I know I certainly have — and to this day, I haven’t died. But in Bolívar, the tap water is bad. Aside from bacterial contaminants, there are low levels of arsenic, which is why locals buy plenty of bottled water instead.
Schools
There are four schools in total and one university where locals can study law or social studies, but not much else. In general, most people prefer going to Buenos Aires or La Plata to pursue higher education after high school.
There are four schools in total and one university where locals can study law or social studies, but not much else. In general, most people prefer going to Buenos Aires or La Plata to pursue higher education after high school.
Foreigners
Foreigners are just as rare as tourists here. According to our acquaintance, there was only one foreigner — and that was through a foreign exchange program. You also won’t find English groups like they have in Córdoba, where locals and foreigners get to mingle.
Bolivar's Dialect
The dialect in Bolívar is similar to the one spoken in La CABA, which is more commonly referred to as the "Porteño" dialect. However, our acquaintance finds that it’s slightly more subtle in Bolívar.
The dialect in Bolívar is similar to the one spoken in La CABA, which is more commonly referred to as the "Porteño" dialect. However, our acquaintance finds that it’s slightly more subtle in Bolívar.
Food
The food in Bolívar is typically Argentine (empanadas, asado, aka Argentine BBQ), but our acquaintance claims that the locals put little effort into using food seasoning. As a result, the food tends to taste bland. So, bring some salt and pepper packets if you visit. You might end up trying a dish called Pastel de Carne (which loosely translates to "Meat Pastry"). But it’s really more like Shepherd’s Pie, with meat at the bottom and mashed potatoes on top.
The food in Bolívar is typically Argentine (empanadas, asado, aka Argentine BBQ), but our acquaintance claims that the locals put little effort into using food seasoning. As a result, the food tends to taste bland. So, bring some salt and pepper packets if you visit. You might end up trying a dish called Pastel de Carne (which loosely translates to "Meat Pastry"). But it’s really more like Shepherd’s Pie, with meat at the bottom and mashed potatoes on top.
The Rich Countryside
Some of the locals in Bolívar are considered super-rich because they work in the countryside, but according to our acquaintance, they still behave as if they’re not rich at all. In some cases, they show off their wealth by buying things you wouldn’t expect someone with money to buy. One example he gave was of someone buying a pickup truck instead of an expensive sports car.
Some of the locals in Bolívar are considered super-rich because they work in the countryside, but according to our acquaintance, they still behave as if they’re not rich at all. In some cases, they show off their wealth by buying things you wouldn’t expect someone with money to buy. One example he gave was of someone buying a pickup truck instead of an expensive sports car.
Enjoy The Night Sky
There aren’t many buildings in Bolívar, which is great if you’re a stargazer, because there’s nothing blocking your line of sight, and the lights aren’t so bright that they block out the stars like they do in big cities.
There aren’t many buildings in Bolívar, which is great if you’re a stargazer, because there’s nothing blocking your line of sight, and the lights aren’t so bright that they block out the stars like they do in big cities.
Siesta
Yes, Bolívar observes the siesta religiously, like most other provinces in Argentina. But in some cases, it’s hard to tell when the siesta is. Our acquaintance shared that Bolívar can sometimes feel a bit like a ghost town.
It's Summertime, Summertime, Sum, Sum, Summertime
The only time you tend to see more people walking around is during the summer, but that’s usually because the homes get very hot, and no one can stand being indoors. So, the warm summer weather brings everyone out to hang at the park or the town square. All in all, Bolívar offers a peaceful and close-knit lifestyle, with a slower pace that’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The only time you tend to see more people walking around is during the summer, but that’s usually because the homes get very hot, and no one can stand being indoors. So, the warm summer weather brings everyone out to hang at the park or the town square. All in all, Bolívar offers a peaceful and close-knit lifestyle, with a slower pace that’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.