FESTIVITIES

Along the year in Tucumán, different festivities are held in connection with traditions of the area which overcame time and which still leave their trace from generation to generation.

Thus, for instance, in February there is the Quesillo Party, in San Pedro de Colalao; in the same town in February and March they celebrate the Humita Party and the Walnut Party respectively. In La Ramada de Abajo, in June, the Spanish community organizes the Paella Party.

When Carnival time arrives, Valles Calchaquíes take pride in the permanent echo of the joi-joi, accompanied by a three-note melody which are repeated once and again. In Tafí del Valle, they celebrate the Cheese Party, in Amaicha del Valle, that of Pachamama, in Colalao, the Antigal Party, and in the same town, in July, they hold the Ponchi (a local drink) Party and in La Ciénaga, the Yerbiao Party.

Monteros is typical for the preparation of the tamal, a kind of corn flour pie wrapped in a chala (dry corn husk) of wholly Incaic origin. In this same city, the Festival of the Fortaleza del Folklore (a celebration of folk traditions) is held at the end of spring.

In the southern end of the province, La Cocha organizes the National Tobacco Party. In Aguilares and Tafí Viejo old comparsas (costumed group like those seen in carnivals) of different origins are revived, and in the latter town they hold the Lemon National Festival, since the industry related to this fruit was one of the first in Tucumán.

In El Mollar, next to La Angostura Dam, the Vegetable Party is held. In Famaillá, during September, the Empanada (turnover) Festival; very near, in Río Colorado, the Willow Festival is celebrated. In Simoca, every Saturday you can find the already traditional fair, which in July shares an artistic meeting with the tourists. Also in this town, in October, the National Sulky (a local carriage) Festival is held. A few miles from there, in Atahona, there is the Sugar Mill Festival; in Monte Agudo, Handicrafts Party. In Lules, the celebrate the Song to the Homeland and in Trancas, a region associated with Lola Mora, they gather around the Horse Festival. In San Miguel de Tucumán, the most relevant festivity is the National Zamba (a musical genre) Party.

Pictures: Tucumán-born Gauchos. Engraving by Nasi. Detail.