Argentinian Playing Cards

List of Manufacturers

Naipes Argentinos

Playing Cards in Argentina employ Spanish suit symbols: cups, swords, coins and clubs (termed copas, espadas, oros and bastos).

It is assumed that playing cards had been introduced to the Americas with explorers such as Columbus or Cortés. Cards would almost certainly have travelled from Spain, and stories are told of them being improvised from drum-skins. Native Indian cards, modelled on the Spanish pack, are a curious spin-off from here. Later, locally-made cards were deemed illegal by the Spanish authorities who wished to exploit the monopoly, and to this end the 'Real Fábrica de Naipes de Macharaviaya' (1776-1815) was established, officially supplying playing cards for Central and South American colonies and controlled by the 'Ministerio de Hacienda' in Madrid. These cards were of the so-called 'National Spanish' style.

However, there were many problems with the cards, including poor quality and high prices in comparison with locally manufactured ones. In 1815 the 'Real Fábrica' was closed and once again local playing card industries were legally licensed to operate in their respective countries. By 1830 there were at least four playing card manufacturers in Buenos Aires. See complete list here.

Argentinian playing cards have followed Spanish styles, notably the Maciá, Cádiz and Catalan patterns which became established during the 19th century based on models imported from Spain, notably by Fló Hnos and Bertrand Domec.   See: List of Manufacturers and Importers

Many packs published in Argentina contain references to Argentina's national identity such as National Symbolism, Politics, Gauchos, Tango dance, Bull Breeding and Folklore. However, for everyday games requiring a Spanish-suited pack, a simple version of the Spanish Catalan pattern is commonly used.

Several varieties of Cartomancy, Fortune-Telling, Tarock and Tarot packs have been produced in Argentina, as well as a number of souvenir packs, card games, advertising packs, etc.