The Tucumán Valley ignites in a new Carnival

Strategically located in the heart of Northern Argentina and steeped in a rich ancestral culture, Tucumán emerges as an appealing destination for the Carnival holiday.

As this special time of year approaches, the main towns of the Calchaquí Valley in Tucumán prepare a calendar packed with events that invite visitors to stay. The most emblematic of all is, without a doubt, the National Pachamama Festival in Amaicha del Valle, recognized as the oldest festival in the valley.

Amidst drums resonating in the hills, Amaicha welcomes hundreds of visitors from the province and the country for six days to enjoy a vibrant celebration filled with dance, traditional songs, and ancient rituals. Every single year, the Pachamama grounds, located near the town's main square, become the stage for an immense display of color and passion.

The central moment of the festival is the selection of Pachamama, the representation of Mother Earth who will symbolically guide the village's destiny during the new year of cultivation. It is with her blessing that the celebration proper begins. Elders and children, all together, as if age differences were dissolving, play with snow, water balloons, and paint of every color in a seemingly endless celebration.

It is worth noting that this festival is not only an invitation to celebrate, but also to give thanks and to feel the heartbeat of the Earth in every song, every dance, and every offering. And, above all, it is an experience that leaves a mark on the souls of those who participate. It is a celebration that reminds us that Pachamama gives us everything, and that it is our duty to honor and protect her.

Another event that grows in popularity each year around this time is the Unearthing of the Carnival Devil. This celebration unfolds at one of the wineries along Tucumán's High Altitude Wine Route in the Colalao del Valle region and promises fun paired with the finest wines. During this day, the "diablito" (little devil) spirit emerges from the valley's tranquil soil after a long wait.