Catamarca's Poncho Festival launches 55th edition program and stadium renovation plans

The 55th edition of the Fiesta Nacional e Internacional del Poncho will be held from July 17 to 26, 2024, at the Predio Ferial Catamarca. The El Patio stage offers free daily artistic programming from 14:00, featuring a lineup of national musicians, dance groups, ballet ensembles, folk bands and rock acts across nine days. On July 20, activities shift to the Bicentenario Stadium for a special "Poncho Sunset" concert celebrating Día del Amigo, with performances by Abel Pintos, Los Herrera, LBC and Euge Quevedo.

Provincial Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sport Daiana Roldán confirmed that the government is reviewing plans to commence refurbishment work on the Bicentenario Stadium after the festival concludes. She noted the venue currently cannot host major sports competitions due to structural shortcomings that stem from earlier construction flaws. While the stadium continues to host cultural and small‑scale sporting events, the minister said the governor wishes to begin renovation before the end of the current administration.

Roldán emphasized that the stadium will remain in use for concerts and community activities, such as the recent Airbag recital, while technical reports are reviewed to define the scope of the required upgrades.