One of the activities that few tourists know in Buenos Aires, but is highly recommended by all who discover it, is a visit to the Feria de Mataderos. This is the most traditional fair in Buenos Aires and showcases Argentina's gaucho traditions. Each Sunday and every public holiday, visitors can enjoy folk performances, traditional dances, demonstrations of horse riding and discover typical Argentinean gaucho crafts, as well as tasting some of the customary food dishes of the gauchos, such as asado (otherwise known as barbecue), the famous choripan (a Chorizo sausage sandwich) or a typical Argentinean locro for those who like hearty stews. [caption id="attachment_1796" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Gaucho Festival: Feria de Mataderos Gaucho Festival: Feria de Mataderos[/caption] This June, the Feria de Mataderos celebrates 30 years of gaucho tradition and culture with special activities, special guest artists and many surprises for its visitors. So if you are travelling to Buenos Aires, do not miss this extraordinary opportunity to see the most traditional aspects of Argentinean mixed with gaucho culture while enjoying an afternoon with music, dancing and folkloric traditions. If you would like to visit the fair of Mataderos to experience the true spirit of Argentina and gaucho tradition, it is possible to book a tour or travel there on your own; however, you arrive be sure not to miss the opportunity to participate in this unique gaucho event. The fair is open every Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00 hours (check for cancellations in the case of rain). If you would like to get an intimate insight into the gaucho tradition and culture in Buenos Aires, head out to the Argentine Pampas for a gaucho day at an estancia (traditional ranch).

A short history of the Argentine gaucho tradition and the Feria de Mataderos

The Feria de Mataderos is an event that takes place in the neighbourhood of Mataderos (slaughterhouses in Spanish), located west of Buenos Aires city. The neighbourhood’s name originated from the fact that this area of the city used to be home to the city's slaughterhouses during the last century, however, since then, it has become famous for the current gaucho tradition fair and the presence of Argentinean Gauchos, who were first responsible for bringing animals from the Pampas for slaughter. The Argentinean gauchos are known worldwide, especially for the poem of the Argentinean writer Jose Hernandez Martin Fierro (1872) which recounts the adventures of the gauchos as well as describing their identity and culture. However, the Gauchos of the Pampas, are not only descendants of their homeland Argentina, but also of the southwest of the River Plate, which includes the neighbouring countries of Brazil, ​​Rio Grande do Sul and Uruguay. [caption id="attachment_1795" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Gaucho tradition on show at the Mataderos Fair Gaucho tradition on show at the Mataderos Fair[/caption] The Gauchos' original activities involved the management of horses and livestock. They are sons of European immigrants mixed with the indigenous of the Pampas; people who are devoted to activities related to land and extremely skilled riders who stand out for their great love of their culture and tradition, which they have always taken care to keep intact and alive in their day-to-day routine. One of the most characteristic rituals of gaucho tradition and culture, is the famous mate infusion, a tea/herb drink which is mixed with hot water. Also, one cannot fail to mention the famous Argentinean asado or barbecue, which was also originated by the gauchos, as well as other famous activities like the Carrera de Sortija (Racing Rings), a very important competition in the regions of Argentina and Uruguay to exhibit gaucho skills. And remember...If you plan to visit Buenos Aires in September, you’ll be lucky enough to catch one of the best gaucho tradition and gaucho activities that Buenos Aires has to offer; taking place every year in Luján, near the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, the patron saint of the Argentine gaucho.