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Argentina, known for its fame in Football, is also home to one of the most vibrant festivals in the world. The festivals in Argentina are known for their rich cultural representations and modern artistry. The diverse community has its roots in Spanish colonialism and mass immigration from many European countries. This has given rise to some of the most dynamic festivals that embrace the cultural diversity and unity of the people despite their differences. A journey through this rich cultural tapestry will give you a stunning memory that can be carried for a lifetime.
14 Festivals In Argentina
This curated list of festivals in Argentina will offer you a peek into the heart of Argentina’s delicious food, wine, and art.
1. Carnival Of The Quebrada De Humahuaca
Photo: Cristian Jako / Wikimedia Commons
If you are visiting Northwest Argentina, you must visit the Carnival of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, held during the time of Lent. This 8-day festival is an accumulation of colonial Spanish traditions and native rituals like the Pachamama – a ritual in which participants pay their respects to the Goddess Mother Earth. It is a festival of colour and vibrance through music, dance and parades. It features native instruments like bombos and anatas, along with a tradition of distributing basil branches. The Carnival of the Quebrada de Humahuaca is one of the most popular festivals in Argentina.
Main Attraction: llama meat empanadas and colourful masks and costumes
When To Visit: February
Location: Jujuy, Northwest Argentina
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2. Lollapalooza
Photo: Beatrice Murch / Wikimedia Commons
The Lollapalooza of Argentina is a music festival packed with high energy. This music festival in Argentina has a lively atmosphere with a strong representation of world-renowned musicians and singers. Artists from different genres, like hip-hop, pop, rock, etc, showcase their raw talent in this rave. It is a 3-day festival, usually held on weekends and is set on a horse-race track. This music festival has food trucks, a hydration station, and a beer garden. The crowd at Lollapalooza sets it apart, breaking into chants like in Football games.
Main Attraction: Lineup of International artists, indie talents and art installations
When To Visit: March
Location: Hipódromo de San Isidro, Buenos Aires
3. Buenos Aires Tango Festival
Photo: Manticora87 / Wikimedia Commons
Buenos Aires Tango Festival pays homage to an art form of love and longing. Tango is an art form so close to the Argentine hearts and, thus, a symbol of their roots. People from around the world partake in this festival to watch some of the most talented tango dancers, listen to the tango orchestra. The Tango World Cup, titled Tango BA Festival Mundial, attracts more than 500,000 people worldwide, where more than 500 pairs of participants compete to win the title of World Champions in Tango.
Main Attraction: Public plazas with orchestras and dancing, and Tango Market
When To Visit: August
Location: Usina del Arte, Buenos Aires
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Buenos Aires
4. Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia
Photo: Angela Llop / Wikimedia Commons
Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, also known as the National Grape Harvest Festival, is an iconic harvest festival in Argentina that celebrates everything wine. It features dancers and other performers along with a gorgeous display of fireworks. Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia has its roots back in the 17th century, making it one of the oldest and most popular harvest festivals in the world. This festival starts with a custom of blessing the fruit, followed by a procession of chariots led by “Reinas” or queens, dressed in dashing costumes, elected from different departments.
Main Attraction: Wine tasting, decorative floats, dance, music, and light show
When To Visit: March
Location: Mendoza City
5. Cosquín Festival
Photo: Alena Darmel / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Cosquín Festival is one of the most important festivals in Argentina, featuring folk music. The Cosquín Festival offers the perfect opportunity to learn more about the culture and folklore of the nation through its unique array of events. The festival lasts nine days and includes plenty of activities such as performances by folk artists, song festivals and dance ballets. The activities are held throughout the night, and thus the name Cosquín Nine Moons. The rhythm and artistic styles from different parts of South America are honoured in this festival, making the Cosquín Festival the heart of folk arts.
Main Attraction: Live music and dancing, parades and a lineup of renowned folk artists
When To Visit: January
Location: Cosquín, Córdoba
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6. National Day Of The Sun
Photo: Enrique Guardia / Wikimedia Commons
The National Day of the Sun celebrates nature, history and cultural traditions, making it one of Argentina’s main festivals. This event kicks off with a gastronomic fair and includes concerts featuring national and international artists. This event also has a lively parade called the “Carousel of the Sun”. The streets will be adorned with flowers and other gorgeous decorations to welcome this parade. A beauty competition is also held, electing “Queen of the Sun” from each province. The parade is led by an ornate carriage representing the sun in the front and another carriage representing the moon at the back.
Main Attraction: Concerts, laser show and fireworks
When To Visit: February
Location: San Juan
7. The National Immigrant Festival
Photo: Leandro Kibisz/Wikimedia Argentina / Wikimedia Commons
The National Immigrant Festival is one of the most inclusive festivals in Argentina, celebrating the community’s rich diversity and cultural landscape. The event includes trade fairs, an exhibition of agricultural and industrial produce, and crafts by local artisans. The National Immigrant Festival dates back to 1980 when a group of immigrants decided to share their respective meals and customs. The immigrant population that participates in this beautiful festival are not only limited to South Americans but includes people from Japanese, Russian, Arab, Paraguayan, and Nordic communities.
Main Attraction: Food, arts and customs from around the world
When To Visit: September
Location: Oberá , Misiones
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8. Buenos Aires Carnival
Photo: Marcelo Alvarez / Pexels
While exploring different iconic and famous festivals in Argentina, the Buenos Aires Carnival cannot be missed. This dynamic carnival features the traditional Murga music accompanied by drums, cymbals and dance groups. Being a medley of European and Andean traditions, this carnival is a marvel of colours and decorations. The party usually starts at the fall of the dark, often kickstarted by the parade, followed by “Criticas”, a satire on famous political and social figures. The choreographed dance performances showcased by participants in flamboyant costumes are the highlight of the whole event.
Main Attraction: Water bombs, Candombe drums and parties
When To Visit: February
Location: Gualeguaychú, Entre Ríos
9. Buenos Aires Jazz Festival
Photo: Esaenzdetejada / Wikimedia Commons
Buenos Aires Jazz Festival offers a rather calmer experience. Taking place in multiple venues, this music festival draws over 70,000 people worldwide. This festival was started to enshrine Argentines’ love of Jazz music. It quickly became a global phenomenon, making it a beloved festival for national and international Jazz fans. Jazz artists from all over the world perform in this musical haven alongside amateur local artists. Other activities that you can enjoy include various workshops, dance classes, and events in the cultural spaces.
Main Attraction: Concerts, conferences and discussions
When To Visit: November
Location: Buenos Aires
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10. Asado Party
Photo: UMUT DAĞLI / Pexels / Image For Representation
An Asado Party is a famous South American barbeque fest celebrated spectacularly in Argentina. The main event of this party is grilling meat over an open fire, which is paired with different kinds of side dishes and drinks. An Asado Party gives a feeling of belonging to the community, offers its participants an opportunity to spend time with the locals and explore their signature grilling methods. Asado Party earns the title of a ritual as it brings people closer and lifts the community spirit.
Main Attraction: Variety of grilled meats, picada and drinks
When To Visit: 8th of April
Location: All over Argentina
11. Fiesta Nacional del Poncho
Photo: Agustin Fernandez / Unsplash
The Fiesta Nacional del Poncho in Catamarca is one of the most colourful and famous festivals in Argentina, taking place in July. Celebrated in San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, it highlights the region’s rich textile traditions and local crafts at the Pabellón de Artesanías. Visitors can enjoy live performances, traditional cuisine, and cultural exhibits at El Patio de las Provincias, while exploring eco-friendly initiatives. This lively event is a must attend for travellers seeking unique things to do in Argentina.
Main Attraction: Traditional ponchos, regional crafts, folklore music, and dance
When To Visit: July
Location: San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, Argentina
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12. Festival Internacional de Jazz de Buenos Aires
Photo: CCPE Rosario / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival is one of the most celebrated cultural events in Argentina, typically held in November. It transforms the city into a jazz lover’s paradise, featuring performances across over 20 venues, from historic theatres to open-air stages. The 2024 edition, held from November 21 to 24, showcased a diverse lineup of national and international artists, offering a blend of concerts, masterclasses, and jam sessions. For those exploring places to visit in Argentina, this festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the country’s rich musical heritage. Attending such popular festivals in Argentina provides a deeper connection to its vibrant culture and artistic expressions.
Main Attraction: Over 40 concerts featuring international and local jazz artists, masterclasses, jam sessions, and film screenings
When To Visit: November
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
13. Festival Nacional de la Empanada
Photo: Basilicofresco / Wikimedia Commons
Famaillá hosts the lively Fiesta Nacional de la Empanada every September, drawing food lovers from across the country. The festival, one of the most popular Argentina festivals, centres on the National Empanada Championship, where local chefs compete for the coveted title. Alongside the culinary contests, visitors enjoy vibrant performances by regional artists, reflecting the area’s rich musical heritage. As one of the standout cultural festivals in Argentina, it offers a perfect mix of local cuisine, music, and community spirit, making it a memorable travel experience.
Main Attraction: Empanada-making contests, live folklore music, and a regional food fair
When To Visit: September
Location: Famaillá, Tucumán, Argentina
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14. Festival Internacional de Cine de Mar del Plata
Photo: Ministerio de Cultura de la Nación / Wikimedia Commons
The Festival Internacional de Cine de Mar del Plata, held every November, is one of the most exciting events in Argentina celebrations. As the only Latin American festival recognised as “A-list” by FIAPF, it draws filmmakers, critics, and movie lovers from around the world. Visitors can explore over 300 films across competitive sections, including awards like the Astor Piazzolla and Ernesto Che Guevara prizes. This vibrant festival is a must-see for travellers keen to experience important festivals in Argentina while enjoying the lively coastal city atmosphere.
Main Attraction: Competitive screenings of international and Latin American films, including features, shorts, and documentaries
When To Visit: November
Location: Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
The festivals in Argentina are a cultural extravaganza displaying vibrant costumes, traditional music, and mesmerising dance performances. Arts and crafts are celebrated enthusiastically at their various iconic festivals and fairs. Most of these festivals are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that leaves lasting memories for you and your loved ones. Book with TripXl to enjoy the rich cultural tapestry that Argentina can offer you.
Cover Photo: Rafael Guimarães / Pexels
