Rosario, in Santa Fe province, is one of the most important cities in the country, due to its population as well as to its incidence in the overall economy of the country. Over the years, it has been the cradle of many important artists, especially singers, and footballers. Rosario gained importance at the end of the XVIIIth century, when it became a useful port in order to dodge custom controls in Buenos Aires during the independence wars. Years later, the local government placed a military settlement there, where on 7 February 1812 General Belgrano hoisted the national flag for the first time. At the beginning of this century, thanks to the crops trade, Rosario became a city of great architectural value, becoming more important than Santa Fe, the official capital of the province. Rosario offers an incredible number of cultural activities which are also amazing in quality. The vital independent theatre is paramount, as well as popular non-folkloric music.