# Catamarca Poncho Festival 2026: Record Crowds, Parking Probe > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-fiesta-del-poncho-2026 > Updated: 2026-07-29T21:38:20.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 11. The 55th Fiesta Nacional e Internacional del Poncho ran from 17–26 July 2026 at Catamarca’s Predio Ferial, attracting more than 1.7 million visitors and generating over 6.1 billion Argentine pesos for the 1,834 exhibitors, while creating more than 3,000 direct jobs in logistics, tourism and technical services. Free‑entry shows filled multiple stages, with headline acts such as Pimpinela, Los Nocheros, Chango Spasiuk, Abel Pintos, Fito Páez and regional performers. New folk artists Juan Fuentes and Orellana Lucca appeared, and a sound‑walk “Catamarca Retumba” gathered copleros for communal singing. The Artisan Exhibition highlighted reclaimed‑wood sculptures, naturally‑dyed ruanas and woven hammocks from Jujuy, Corrientes, Misiones and Entre Ríos, while a silver‑jewelry collection by Juan Bonzano drew on local archaeology. The commercial sector featured over 40 stands offering design, fashion, jewellery, home‑decor and regional foods, with a modern culinary zone of 25 food trucks and cafés. A weather bulletin predicted mild, dry conditions for the closing days, supporting attendance. Mayor Gustavo Saadi welcomed Emir Andraos of Tunuyán, and Minister Daiana Roldán presented the Poncho Design Competition award to artisan Saúl Albino Suárez for a vicuña‑fiber poncho. Meanwhile, councilor Eleonora Sopagale demanded a detailed report on parking‑area fees, authorizations and alleged extortion, prompting municipal scrutiny of the venue’s parking arrangements. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-29: Catamarca mayor faces scrutiny over parking fees at Fiesta del Poncho Catamarca councilor Eleonora Sopagale demands a full accounting of parking fees, contracts and complaints linked to the Fiesta del Poncho, citing alleged overcharging and irregularities. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catamarca-mayor-faces-scrutiny-over-parking-fees-at-fiesta-del-poncho ### 2026-07-29: Catamarca's National Poncho Festival Attracts 1.7 Million Visitors Catamarca's Poncho Festival attracted 1.7 million visitors, generated 6.1 bn pesos and 3,000 jobs, and featured mayoral talks, awards and a top‑prize vicuña poncho. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catamarcas-national-poncho-festival-attracts-17-million-visitors ### 2026-07-24: Catamarca’s National and International Poncho Festival draws crowds Catamarca’s 55th Poncho Festival runs until 26 July, featuring regional crafts, music and a commercial hub with 40+ stalls; weather forecasts mild, dry conditions for the weekend, supporting visitor turnout. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catamarcas-poncho-festival-launches-tinogasta-tourism-portal ### 2026-07-21: Catamarca's Poncho Festival Showcases Folk Music, Art and Culinary Delights Catamarca's 55th Poncho Festival runs through July 26, featuring folk and rock music, a sound‑walk, an artisan exhibition honoring the Pachamama, and a variety of specialty food and coffee stalls. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catamarcas-poncho-festival-showcases-folk-music-art-and-culinary-delights ### 2026-07-19: Catamarca's Fiesta del Poncho draws thousands with music, food and security alerts Catamarca's 55th Fiesta del Poncho attracted thousands with top musical acts, diverse food options and sparked security debates after eight police interventions. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentinas-poncho-festival-draws-massive-crowds-to-el-patio ### 2026-07-18: Pimpinela opens Fiesta del Poncho 2026 in Catamarca, Argentina Argentine duo Pimpinela performed a two‑hour opening set at the Fiesta Nacional e Internacional del Poncho 2026 in Catamarca, drawing thousands of fans and marking their festival debut. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pimpinela-opens-fiesta-del-poncho-2026-in-catamarca-argentina ### 2026-07-13: Catamarca's Poncho 2026 Festival Announces Jury and Full Event Schedule Poncho 2026, Catamarca's July 17‑26 festival, unveiled its jury, award categories and a ten‑day schedule of music, dance and cultural events across four venues, with the ceremony on July 23. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catamarcas-poncho-2026-festival-announces-jury-and-full-event-schedule ### 2026-07-07: Catamarca's National Poncho Festival Returns July 17‑26 Catamarca hosts the 55th National and International Poncho Festival July 17‑26, featuring artisan fairs, food trucks, concerts and a goal to exceed 1.4 million visitors. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catamarcas-national-poncho-festival-returns-july-1726 ### 2026-06-11: Catamarca’s Casa de la Puna hosts over 100 exhibitors at weekend cultural fair From June 13‑14 the Casa de la Puna in Catamarca will hold the Manos Catamarqueñas fair, featuring 100+ local exhibitors, food trucks, workshops and free folk‑dance performances. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catamarcas-casa-de-la-puna-hosts-over-100-exhibitors-at-weekend-cultural-fair ### 2026-06-09: Catamarca's Poncho Festival launches 55th edition program and stadium renovation plans The 55th Fiesta Nacional e Internacional del Poncho runs July 17‑26 in Catamarca, with free daily shows at El Patio and a special July 20 concert at the Bicentenario Stadium. Minister Daiana Roldán said theprov 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catamarcas-poncho-festival-launches-55th-edition-program-and-stadium-renovation-plans ### 2026-05-28: Argentina's Fiesta del Poncho 2026 unveils full artist lineup Argentina's Fiesta del Poncho 2026 runs 17‑26 July with free Patio shows and a star‑studded Escenario Mayor lineup, featuring folk, pop and tropical acts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentinas-fiesta-del-poncho-2026-unveils-full-artist-lineup --- Cite as: Catamarca Poncho Festival 2026: Record Crowds, Parking Probe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-fiesta-del-poncho-2026