Infant abandoned at San Ignacio festival in Tucumán, Argentina

Around 02:00 a.m. on Saturday, an approximately eight‑month‑old baby was found abandoned on the grounds of the San Ignacio patronal festival in the La Cocha department of Tucumán. A woman who saw the child wrapped in a blanket lifted it and brought it to the main stage, where organizers repeatedly announced over loudspeakers for the mother or any relative to come forward. No one responded for nearly two hours. Security forces—including police, infantry, police firefighters, volunteer firefighters and civil defence—intervened, secured the infant and transferred him to the La Cocha police station for protection while authorities sought the responsible parties. Shortly before 04:00 a.m., a woman arrived at the station claiming to be the child’s grandmother. She said the mother, who has several other children, struggles with alcohol consumption, a claim that will be verified by investigators. The incident sparked strong reactions among festival attendees, who expressed outrage over the abandonment and concern for the child’s welfare.