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All Argentina Buenos Aires Mafalda Monument

Mafalda Monument

These small sculptures pay homage to the lovable star of an iconic Argentine comic strip.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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rosariofn
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Mafalda in San Telmo, 2009.   Beatrice Murch/cc by 2.0
Mafalda in San Telmo, 2009.   Beatrice Murch/cc by 2.0
Mafalda in San Telmo, 2009.   Ed Vill/cc by 2.0
Susanita, Mafalda, and Manolito, 2016.   Juandedeboca/CC BY-SA 1.0 fi
Mafalda in San Telmo, 2009.   Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires/CC BY 2.5 ar
Inauguration of the exhibition “Mafalda en su sopa” at the National Library.   Ministerio de Cultura de la Nación Argentina/cc by-sa 2.0
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
Mafalda standing on boks   ski queen / Atlas Obscura User
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The incredibly popular "Mafalda" comic has a long history. Created by Quino (full name Joaquín Salvador Lavado Tejón), it was first published in Argentina in 1964 as part of a sales ad. But the sweet little girl with the snappy comments and smart observations about the grownup world went on to become a sensation across Latin America and the globe.

Mafalda is a six-year-old girl with an endearing concern for humanity and the state of the world, as well as a notable distaste for soup. The comic was translated in many languages, and Mafalda and her friends are relatable and lovable everywhere they go. The characters have become a cornerstone of Argentina's popular culture, and especially in Buenos Aires.

In her honor, a small sculpture of Mafalda sitting on a park bench was erected in San Telmo, the neighborhood where she lives in the comic stories. Two of her friends, Manolito and Susanita, were added later. People usually stumble across these tiny tributes by chance. It's always a pleasant surprise, and fans will even line up to have their photo taken with the beloved characters.

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Comic Books Culture Pop Culture Children's Literature Statues Sculptures

Know Before You Go

The statues are right on the street so you can see them at any hour, every day. On weekends, there is often a line of fans waiting to take a photo with the characters, so best to go weekdays to avoid any wait. On Sundays there is a fair so the street is closed to cars, but you can walk to the statues. Nearby is a gift shop dedicated to Quino and Mafalda.

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rosariofn

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Meg, Collector of Experiences, ski queen, breaingram

  • Meg
  • Collector of Experiences
  • ski queen
  • breaingram

Published

August 22, 2018

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Mafalda Monument
700 Defensa
Buenos Aires
Argentina
-34.615798, -58.371597
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