Everybody knows about Brazil’s big Carnaval celebrations, but what if you find yourself in Argentina over this festive period and also feel the need to let loose that carnival spirit. Surely, in a country famed for its lively nightlife, passion and Tango dance, they celebrate Carnaval?
Well, the answer is yes, yes they do. And it is the city of Gualeguaychú, just a few kilometers from Buenos Aires, where Argentineans from across the country, along with thousands of other tourists from around the world, come to get involved with the pagan celebrations. The ongoing rhythms and contagious festive happiness encourage the crowds to take part and to dance off the week’s stresses, whilst those involved in the carnival, including Argentina’s fabulous and famous, take the whole thing very serious. That is having fun of course. It is of no surprise then, that the Carnaval of Gualeguaychú is often mentioned alongside the carnival heavyweights of Rio and Venice. The affair is a big deal with floats, dancers, music, costumes and models parading throughout the night. The Carnaval of Gualeguaychú takes place every weekend in January and February erupting in a big festive blowout on the 5thof March.
The Small town of Humahuaca, found in-between the colorful mountains near Salta, is also renowned for its carnival celebrations. Though carnival is now linked to the ridding of evils before the repentance of the Christian holiday of Lent, it has its roots in ancient pagan rituals. The Humahuaca Carnaval has maintained many of the pagan traditions in its festivities, including dancing with corn cobs to folkloric music, elaborate costumes, copious drinking and throwing of water. This year the Humahuaca Carnaval falls on 5th-8th of March.
South America Adventure Travel offers a number of tours that visit Argentina and include Humahuaca and Buenos Aires.