Abstract

Food satisfies physical needs while also contributing essentially to social cohesion and community building. Throughout history, food consumption has been intertwined with gatherings, celebrations, and festivities, playing a fundamental role in how societies celebrate. The text analyzes the role of food in celebrations within collective eating spaces in Argentina and Uruguay, such as soup kitchens. Photographs of events organized in these spaces are examined through a historical-ethnographic approach. The study reveals that these places not only provide food but also foster socialization and community building. In particular, celebrations focused on children and national holidays take center stage. Food plays a significant role in these events, contributing to constructing a collective identity and recognizing childhood as a vital stage of life. It is highlighted that children’s celebrations often include toys, sweets, and special foods, while national holidays are marked by the preparation of traditional dishes, like locro. These practices show how food, beyond its nutritional function, plays a symbolic and emotional role in social cohesion and the expression of cultural traditions. By organizing these events, soup kitchens reinforce their function as social and cultural support spaces, extending beyond merely providing food assistance.