The Tango's Forbidden Rhythm: Navigating Censorship in Argentine History

The Tango, with its passionate and rhythmic embrace, faced a tumultuous period in its history when it was met with prohibition and censorship. In the early stages of its emergence, the Tango found itself at odds with societal norms, particularly facing opposition from the church.

The church, considering Tango to be the music of the "immoral" factions of society, initially banned the dance. Its associations with the working-class neighborhoods and the passionate nature of the dance steps led to a perception of moral impropriety. However, the Tango's magnetic allure prevailed, and it continued to thrive despite the initial restrictions.

The landscape changed with the coup of 1930, marking a shift in the Tango's relationship with authority. While the outright ban was lifted, a new form of control emerged. Censorship targeted lyrics that supported populist ideas and employed lunfardo, the slang of the working classes in Buenos Aires and Montevideo. This selective censorship aimed to align the Tango with the political ideologies of the time, shaping its narrative to fit within the established social and political framework.

Despite these challenges, the Tango endured and evolved, adapting to the changing political landscape. Its forbidden nature only added to its mystique, making it a symbol of resistance and resilience. The Tango, once banned and censored, emerged as a powerful expression of cultural identity, transcending political constraints and solidifying its place as an enduring symbol of Argentine culture.

Source: Atlas Obscura - How Rock 'n' Roll and Military Dictatorships Almost Destroyed Argentine Tango