In a city with 13.5 million people, it is important that people have communities. Without social connections, a city this big can feel lonely. One way people connect is through religion. Besides Catholicism, which is the official religion of Argentina, there are Jewish, Protestant, Orthodox, and Muslim communities. Buenos Aires is home to the largest Jewish community in Latin America and second only to New York in the Americas. Sports fans are another type of community. Football (soccer) is the most popular sport to play and to watch. There are 18 professional teams in Buenos Aires, with six of them being in the highest division. You may have heard of Boca Juniors vs. River Plate, the biggest rivalry! Another way people connect is through the neighborhood where they live. Most neighborhoods have at least one cultural center where art exhibits, concerts and community events are held. Through this organization, people are able to connect with others who share their interests. In many neighborhoods, another type of center also exists called Centro del día, which is a place where older adults can go to participate in activities, exercise and socialize with their neighbors. It is one of many programs the government in Buenos Aires has created to promote healthy aging and make sure older adults are included in their communities.
