Argentines celebrate their bicentennial, while rival politicians hold competing festivities

A divided Argentina celebrates its bicentennial

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Thousands of revelers are celebrating in the streets of Buenos Aires for Argentina’s bicentennial, but political divisions have prevented any show of unity.

President Cristina Fernandez and her political opponents went to separate Masses on Tuesday, and Fernandez refused an invitation from the mayor of Buenos Aires to the gala reopening of the city’s Teatro Colon opera house.

Six presidents from Latin America as well as ousted Honduran leader Manuel Zelaya are participating in the festivities.