Five Must-See Carnivals Full of Colour and Rhythm

During the last days of December, the world is already celebrating. Of course, Argentina is no exception. Actually, quite the opposite —when it comes to celebrations, the country of asado is in! It makes sense since we are 45 million passionate Argentinians who love gatherings. The festivities welcoming the balance and commitment season are just an omen for those taking place during the first months of the year. When January and especially February comes, so does the true party: the Argentinian carnival. 

The carnival is a colourful tradition that was born in Colonial times. With time, it blended with the local touches of every province, where it put down roots. That’s why it is one of our major cultural expressions. What can’t be left out? Colour, energy, dance, music, and the classical summer heat. 

1. Gualeguaychú, Entre Ríos 

Ten nights packed with joy, more than a thousand participants, dozens of floats, and up to 70,000 feathers. The Parque de la Estación corsódromo, in Gualeguaychú, is home to the so-called Carnaval del País or The Country’s Carnival. Does that mean it is the only one? Of course not, but it is one of the region's most iconic and attended to. The reason lies in its unique parades and choreographies. And maybe that’s why it makes locals and worldwide tourists fall in love. It can host 40,000 thousand people, and it is one of the most awaited Entre Ríos’ events in the year.

If you are around, take down the following cities in the same province that also celebrate the carnival: La Paz, Concordia, Gualeguay, Concepción del Uruguay, Hasenkamp, Victoria, and Santa Elena. 

2. Quebrada de Humahuaca’s Carnival in Jujuy

In the beginning, it took some of the characteristics belonging to its Spanish roots. Later, they got fused with stronger native principles —those that honour and celebrate Pachamama’s fertility (Mother Earth Goddess). It is precisely why the ceremony starts with the desentierro del diablo or the Devil’s Unearthing. It is an event that takes place year after year, and it is represented through the removal of a ragdoll buried at the end of the last carnival. It symbolises the release of repressed desires that are unleashed openly during the celebration. Lots of dance, colours, drinks, and fun.

In line with local traditions, music is played with indigenous instruments, such as erkenchos, anatas, charangos, and bass drums. Crowds put on costumes, basil springs are handed over, and streamers cover the air. Without any question, this celebration covers Jujuy in every colour of the rainbow.

Tip: In Salta, a few kilometres from there, the world’s highest carnival is celebrated (at 4200 metres above sea level!).

3. Partying in Corrientes, the National Capital of Carnivals 

Here is another of the major and greatest carnivals in the country. It goes without saying why Corrientes has become the National Capital of the Argentinian Carnival. Its corsódromo has a capacity for 35,000 people, where music plays a crucial role and combines perfectly with a burst of colour, embroidery, designs, and shines flooding up the streets.

What’s more, the dynamics involve the exhibition of several comparsas (groups parading and dancing together) that compete against each other to win the best-of-the-year title. The rule of getting the carnival vibe and energy to every corner is honoured. Would you like to read a curious fact? Corrientes has its own Boca-River rivalry version: comparsas Sapucay and Ará Berá.  

4. La Chaya in La Rioja

Its origins go back to the northern village celebrations. So, the release idea is repeated. Chains get broken, and everyone dances, drinks, and dresses up like never before. The carnival band or murga’s spirit, magic, colour, and joy intermingle with basil springs’ scents and the national tastes of wine, empanadas, and bread.

5. Carnivals in Buenos Aires

What’s the success formula? Murgas, comparsas, and extreme heat. Buenos Aires also has its own parades! Even though several neighbourhoods invite people to dance among spray foam and streamers, the most popular areas are San Telmo, Boedo, and La Boca.