Every year, the inhabitants of San Juan come together to celebrate Fiesta Nacional del Sol (National Day of the Sun), a demonstration of the history, economy, customs and characters of the province. The festival showcases the talent and creativity of local artists through various shows and performances and includes a beauty contest to elect the National Queen of the Sun.

Fiesta Nacional del Sol in San Juan / source Fiesta Nacional del Sol in San Juan / source

The festival experience

Over the course of the festival, you will be able to enjoy traditional regional dishes, watch popular artists perform on stage, and learn about the most important aspects of San Juan’s culture. The Currusel del Sol sees each department in the province parade with a float featuring motifs of landscapes, people and customs of the region, which begins at Avenida Ignacio de la Roza and travels for almost 2km along the streets of the province’s capital, the city of San Juan. A cast of dancers in masks and costumes portraying their culture follow behind, performing to the numerous spectators that line the streets and throwing the occasional gift out into the crowd.

Electing the Queen of the Sun

The beauty contest, whereby the National Queen and National Vice-Queen of the Sun are elected, features candidates who represent each of the nineteen departments. The chosen woman then represents the province for the following year, attending provincial and national parties, as well as tourism fair and events to promote the province.

Last year's Queen of the Sun / source Last year's Queen of the Sun / source

Breaking records

What’s more, this year the provincial government are entering the Guiness Book of Records for the world’s largest mapping projection which will display the event at 300 metres wide and 170 metres high!

Getting to San Juan

The city of San Juan is located on National Route 40, over a thousand kilometres from the capital and, given, flying is preferable to taking a bus. Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Airport is just fifteen kilometres from the city and serves routes from San Juan to Buenos Aires.

Fiesta Nacional del Sol takes place between February 18th and 22nd. Visit our website for more information, or to book tours and activities.

By: Milly Day – English Content Manager