Mercedes to host 51st Fiesta Nacional del Salame Quintero

The 51st Fiesta Nacional del Salame Quintero is scheduled to take place from September 11 to 13, 2026, at the Parque Municipal Independencia in Mercedes, Argentina. The event celebrates the regional gastronomic identity centered around the traditional salame quintero.

Cecilia Dipieri, the first woman to join the judging panel, noted that the evaluation team has been renewed with a younger average age to “fuse new ideas with tradition” while maintaining the expertise of established producers. The judging process includes a strict protocol where producers submit four salames with required documentation, such as trichinosis certification, to ensure transparency and quality.

The three-day festival will feature musical performances by artists including Antonio Ríos, Los Palmeras, and Los Fronterizos. The schedule includes a gastronomic patio, craft markets, and a formal awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon to recognize the best salame producer.