Argentina is a country with 23 provinces that extend to the North, South, East and West, in addition to the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Its latitude and longitude contains different cultural traits, habits and even pronunciations of everyday words. The differences between Argentines are also reinforced in political discussions and theories about how the country would be better off. Everything can be a matter of discussion for Argentines. But from North to South and East to West, there is at least one constant: most Argentinian celebrations are designed to celebrate the flavours and the importance of food and drink.
In this article, we will explore 6 of the largest Argentinian celebrations devoted to food and drink. Eating and drinking is common to everyone. And it deserves to be celebrated!
The National Harvest Festival takes place in Mendoza, one of Argentina’s wine provinces par excellence. Since 1936, the festival acknowledges the efforts of the vine growers who work hard to transform grapes into wine throughout the year. There are musical shows, dances, fireworks and, of course, plenty of toasts. It is one of the most traditional Argentinian celebrations.
The Harvest Festival dates back to 1936, and has its origin in the “time of the great immigrants” who, once the harvest and wine-making work was over, would celebrate and give thanks to nature through dances, songs and the election of a queen, crowned with bunches of grapes.
For three or four days, between May and June, the National Tangerine Festival takes place in the town of Chumbincha, in the province of Catamarca in the Argentine Northwest. This festival pays tribute to all the tangerine producers in the country. Once again, folk music and dances are part of the fun that the celebration of this citrus fruit brings.
From rock to folklore, this celebration brings together a large cross-section of Catamarca’s co-provincials and is a noble reflection of their cultural roots, which are evident in this Argentine celebration.
Cañuelas, in the Province of Buenos Aires, is where the sweetest component of Argentine cuisine is celebrated: dulce de leche. Contests and tastings of the products from the different producers are all part of the party. The goal is to unite the area’s agricultural production with industry and commerce. And gorge on delicious sweets!
Although other countries lay claim to the creation of dulce de leche, Argentinians maintain that the delicacy was born in the city of Cañuelas in 1829. Hence, one of Argentina’s sweetest celebrations is held there.
Typical of the Argentine Northeast, mate is taken throughout the country, all year round, and has been granted its own dedicated celebration. The first festival was held in 1944, in the province of Misiones, but in 1961 the city of Apóstoles became its headquarters. It has been a National Holiday since 1972, paying tribute to the herbal producers who gather to celebrate.
Bitter, sweet or with yuyos, mate is an infusion that has always been dear to Argentines, long before the National Holiday which is very popular in Argentine culture.
This festival took place for the first time in 1941, to show all of Argentina how to carry out sustainable fishing. It is typically held in Bariloche, Patagonia, on the banks of the beautiful Limay River. A fishing competition, in which all fish are returned to the water, culminates in a great lunch of local food and exhibitions showcasing regional artisans.
Argentine Patagonia is known worldwide for its trout and salmon fishing. In the early years of the 20th century, the explorer and discoverer Francisco Pascasio Moreno recommended including species of sporting value in national waters, which is also recognised throughout this Argentine celebration.
In San Andrés de Giles, Province of Buenos Aires, the fires summon many people. They are not fireworks, but open fires that roast and grill pork. Over four days, this celebration aims to honor the tradition of this food in the region.
Although the national gastronomy leans more towards the consumption of beef, this Argentine celebration shows that other types of meat are also eaten. And that is worth celebrating!
For all their differences, Argentine men and women tend to come together when drinking and eating are involved. These National Holidays represent a great meeting point and, in addition to the six Argentinian celebrations mentioned above, a further 150 or so are related to food.
