Argentina celebrates 50th birthday of ‘Mafalda’, the girl that made the world listen

Americas Now

She may have turned 50-years-old this year, but for her millions of followers she will always remain a little girl. The Argentine cartoon character “Mafalda” is famous for her sharp wits, inquisitive questioning, interest in current events and hatred for soup. She has been translated into 26 languages and to this day, is featured daily in many newspapers around the globe.

Argentine cartoonist Quino originally came up with the idea of Mafalda for a publicity campaign that never fell through. Later, the comic strip of the little girl took on a life of its own. She captured the spirit of the times, but also pointed to social issues that are still valid and relevant.

In Buenos Aires, her hometown, there were many events commemorating her birthday. People of all ages gathered to celebrate the little girl that made the world listen. Americas Now correspondent Joel Richards brought us this Urban Voices piece from the old neighborhood of San Telmo.