Catamarca's National Poncho Festival Attracts 1.7 Million Visitors

The 55th Fiesta Nacional e Internacional del Poncho in Catamarca drew more than 1.7 million attendees between July 17‑26, surpassing the previous year's record. Organisers reported that the event generated over 6.1 billion Argentine pesos for the 1,834 exhibitors and created more than 3,000 direct jobs in logistics, tourism and technical services.

During the festival, Catamarca Mayor Gustavo Saadi hosted Emir Andraos, mayor of Tunuyán (Mendoza), at the city’s technology hub. The two officials discussed cooperation on regional development, tourism promotion and innovation, and pledged to continue joint projects.

The ceremony also featured the award ceremony for the 2026 Poncho Design Competition, attended by Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sport Daiana Roldán and Governor Raúl Jalil. Artisan Saúl Albino Suárez received the top prize for a vicuña‑fiber poncho valued at 6.8 million pesos.