Plaza Mafalda

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The park was inaugurated in 1995 to pay tribute to the most famous Argentine comic character globally.

2. 2

   Quino (Joaquín Salvador Lavado Tejón), the creator of Mafalda, personally influenced the thematic design of the plaza.

3. 3

   The plaza is one of the primary locations in Buenos Aires to track the cultural impact of Mafalda, alongside the statue located in the San Telmo neighborhood.

4. 4

   The park's infrastructure includes murals that use the characters to educate children on environmental responsibility and recycling.

5. 5

   The character Mafalda has been used as a tool for political expression in Argentina, and the plaza often hosts spontaneous community gatherings.

Overview

Plaza Mafalda is a thematic public park in the Colegiales neighborhood dedicated to the iconic Argentine comic strip character created by Quino. The park features a permanent, life-sized statue of Mafalda sitting on a bench, a popular site for visitor photography. The design integrates various games and murals depicting Mafalda and her group of friends, including Susanita and Manolito. It occupies a city block bounded by Santos Dumont, Conde, Concepción Arenal, and General Enrique Martínez streets. The park design intentionally reflects the political and social satire often present in Quino’s original comics. It serves as a central social hub for local families, featuring modern playground equipment and green spaces. The layout emphasizes pedestrian pathways and open areas for recreational activities. It functions as an urban green lung within the dense residential architecture of Colegiales.

Insider tips

• Visit during the early morning on weekdays to avoid crowds and get a clear photo with the Mafalda statue.

• Bring a book or a sketchbook to appreciate the literary history of the character.

• Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Colegiales neighborhood, which is known for its muralist art scene.