With the summer season in full swing, big preparations and civic celebrations are in order for the Argentine community in the region.

Through one of their most emblematic traditions -the delicious Argentine asado and mateada-  residents are celebrating Argentina’s Independence Day on Sunday July 19 and the Day of the Libertador Gral. San Martin on August 16.

With nearly 2,500 members in the tri-state region, "Argentinos in Philadelphia," a group formed to promote its culture and preserve their heritage for the younger generation, is also looking to the future.

This year the organizing group is expanding its mission to provide community services and hopefully increase their outreach. The launch of a new non-profit under the name “Casa Argentina de Filadelfia” is in the works.

“This is with the support of the Embassy of Argentina. The idea is to have a specific location that people know they can count on for different services like the traveling consulates,” said Daniel Loza, organizing member.

In between projects there is also the upcoming celebration of the “IV Argentine Week in Philadelphia” taking place during the first half of October. As in past editions, the different events will include arts and cultural events, as well as the traditional flag raising ceremony at City Hall.

“The latest edition will have a greater number of events than in prior years. We are still in the organizing stages, but we are aiming to add an event at Love Park and a science and technology event at Drexel University,” said Liliana Friesel, another organizing member.

And let’s not forget, a few days prior to “IV Argentine Week in Philadelphia,” the city will be hosting probably the most famous Argentine in the world (outside of soccer superstar Lionel Messi). The historical visit of Pope Francis will stop the city the last weekend of September.

The group said there had been efforts to have a meeting with Pope Francis.

“We sent out a letter to the Archdioceses of Philadelphia and to the Argentine Ambassador in the Vatican to try to set a meeting with Pope Francis, but we haven’t received any answers,”  said Diana Larisgoitia, a member of the group.

Friesel said that although Argentines profess several religions, in general, there is an extra pride in the community that Pope Francis is one of them. “It is joyful to have such a personality representing us. He has said he is not perfect and how he considers himself human. He is great,” she added.

But even before the larger celebrations, there are community events to be enjoyed together.

"We host the ‘asados’ in a pavilion at Core Creek Park in Bucks County. Everyone in the community participates and collaborates to make this happen. It is a truly exceptional event," Friesel said.

“La mateada” is a deep-rooted custom in Argentina that unites family and friends. Those who attend must be willing to 'matear' or drink “mate,” an infused drink of yerba mate leaves, dried and ground, served in a bowl of the same name.

Along the same lines, the Argentine barbecue or “asado” has become one of the most iconic cultural and gastronomic symbols of Argentina.

"There are many wonderful people who always provide more food than they should. They cook for everyone. It is a very family-oriented experience," Friesel said.

The group said it has increased its collaboration with other civic and art organizations such as Taller Puertorriqueño and Casa Venezuela.

"We would like for residents of all communities to join in — a mixture of communities without distinguishing country of origin or nationality," Loza said.

Although the official date commemorating the Independence Day in Argentina is July 9, "Argentinos in Philadelphia" will meet July 19 at noon for their commemoration, which will take place at  Core Creek Park at 2250 Yardley Langhorne Rd. in Langhorne.

The event is free and attendees must provide their own meat, stews and mate.

For more information please follow the group on Twitter @argentinosphila, or facebook.com/groups/argentinesphila/.