In recent months, social media, especially TikTok, has been flooded with viral videos that spark curiosity and bewilderment: videos of people walking on all fours, using tails and ears, or running through parks imitating animal behavior. According to the Argentine News Agency, behind these viral images there is not a single homogeneous group, but two well-differentiated subcultures that are often confused: Therians and Furros (or Furries). What is a Therian? This community is defined by a spiritual issue. Therians believe their soul is a 'hybrid between human and animal' and feel that, deep down, they are that animal. Belief: Some claim they were reincarnated as wolves, bulls, or other species. Aesthetics: They usually do not wear full suits. What is a Furro? Unlike the former, Furries do not believe they are animals. It is a fandom or a community of fans of anthropomorphic animals (animals with human characteristics such as talking, wearing clothes, or walking on two legs). Origin: The term was born in 1980 at a science fiction convention, stemming from Steve Gallacci's comic 'Albedo Anthropomorphics'. Practice: They create their own 'FurSona' (character) and use elaborate suits called 'FurSuits' to interact at events. It is a recreational and artistic activity, not spiritual. The phenomenon in Argentina. Far from being a fleeting internet trend, these communities have a strong local presence. In Argentina, they organize 'Meets' and 'FurMeets', gatherings where participants attend in character. The most important event is the Argentina Fur Fiesta (ARFF). Its last edition, held in August 2024 at the Hotel Abasto, brought together about 500 participants, consolidating a market for artists who sell everything from drawings to full suit designs.
