Carpintería municipality faces backlash over out-of-province goat purchases

The municipality of Carpintería is facing backlash from local producers and the Tourism Association following the decision to purchase goats for the 21st National Festival of the Carreta and the 101 Goats from Quilino, Córdoba, rather than from local San Luis producers.

Mayor Gastón Herrera defended the move as a budgetary necessity, stating that the prices obtained in Córdoba were “very competitive.” This decision allowed the municipality to set the event ticket price at $40,000, which includes a portion of goat meat, salad, tableware, and artistic shows.

The Tourism Association expressed “deep repudiation and institutional discomfort,” arguing that traditional festivals should serve as tools to support and strengthen local families and regional economic circuits. Critics contend that diverting public funds outside the jurisdiction deprives local goat farmers of crucial income during a critical economic period.