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February is almost over, and with it hopefully spring is near (no matter what the groundhog said weeks ago). On the flip side of the equator, though, summer will begin transitioning to fall, which will impact the characters of Estancia Aldea Norteña.
Catalina and the Aguirres have spent almost seven eventful weeks in Mar del Plata, and though they've extended their stay, neither they nor the Lobos or Tilves will hang around the beach forever. By the end of this week we'll be at the halfway point of the novel: time for a change of pace and scene, and to finally learn about the titular estancia.
Before that happens, let's look at a special day that would have been celebrated by them first: Dia del Gnocchi, which occurs on the twenty ninth day of each month. Estancia Aldea Norteña is set in a leap year (2008) and so it would certainly occur this week as well. It's a nifty little cultural tradition involving Italian food, money, and family dinners. To explain more, here's a short primer from the Food Wonders TV YouTube Channel.
You can find another recipe with more information on this day at Food Republic. Given that I found several references to calling people "gnocchi" who might be considered slackers or even leeches, it brought to mind all the Austen characters who fit that bill, including those in Northanger Abbey. I also wonder how the Tilves would differ in their feelings about a family tradition with money attached to it, or whether there are regional variations between the provinces. While I didn't include anything specific in Estancia for February 29, the month of March will include an even bigger (and perhaps less happy) change for Catalina, one she might need a few extra pesos to deal with.
But all that's to come. Look for more Argentine food references and descriptions to come, and who knows, I may be inspired to write a short Estancia vignette about Dia del Gnocchi in the future. Regardless of what your upcoming weather forecast looks like, there's rain and sun ahead for Catalina and her friends as they soak up their remaining summer vacation. I hope you enjoy the reveals to come.