Popular festivals in Bariloche, tradition and fun

San Carlos de Bariloche is undoubtedly a box of surprises. There is no corner of the city, not a time of year when this destination in the Patagonian region ceases to please us. Its nature is splendid in any season, its climate is always pleasant, its excursions are operational in any season, its gastronomy so delicious that captivates and, if that were not enough, offers the incomparable popular festivals of Bariloche.

•         NATIONAL CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

Bariloche’s important relationship with this delicacy produced with cocoa has made the city the National Chocolate Capital (officially declared by the Congress of the Nation in February 2015). The reason for this decree is no other but the wide range of chocolates offered by this place, of all sizes and presentations, combining them even with other fruits and flavors of the region.

So much so, this delight has its own celebration. Dubbed the “sweetest party in the country”, the National Chocolate Festival takes place every Easter, being characterized by a chocolate bar that weighs more than two tons and hundreds of Easter eggs that are given to visitors throughout the programming.

The world’s longest chocolate bar (200 meters) is prepared by Bariloche’s chocolates. It is a delicious show that is lived on the Chocolate Walk, along with other events: live shows, games and contests, classes on chocolate making, tastings, Easter egg making and the famous Rabbit House are part of the programming.

Meanwhile, the chocolate shops of the city center exhibit their most outstanding product and the factories do not stop their production, so the streets of Bariloche are impregnated with the color, aroma and delicacy of artisan chocolate. You will want to try and buy all: chocolates in a bar or combined or even with cereals and fruits typical of the area.

•         SNOW FESTIVAL IN BARILOCHE

Bariloche is the setting for South America’s largest ski resort (Cerro Catedral), so you can imagine a winter in the city. The scenery is unique and the snow quality unmatched. It is a real natural spectacle and to welcome you, the Snow Festival is celebrated. That is, the festivities take place every year at the beginning of the winter season. 

With a duration of 7 days, the festival combines traditional activities and the newest attractions, depending on presenting Bariloche as the main snow center in Argentina. It is a massive event, bringing together our own and foreign in the programming.

The opening is in charge of the ski equipment and schools, whose members descend the snowy slopes carrying lit torches with which, in addition to illuminating the sunset, the festival begins officially (at the base of the mountain). Fireworks don’t keep you waiting.

To make you have a clearer reference, we tell you that in the calendar you cannot miss the famous career of waiters. Participants must walk the slopes of the city’s most central streets with trays with glasses and bottles whose contents they cannot spill along the way.

Another must, is the choice of the National Snow Queen, which is held at the Civic Center of Bariloche. Meanwhile, the wool garment industry stars in a parade with its artisanal products ideal for winter wear, the most prominent.

The woodcutters of the rural area of northern Patagonia do not stay behind and participate in a contest whose winner will be the one who cuts -fastest- a wooden roll with a meter in diameter. All this is accompanied by musical shows, art exhibitions and sports practices. It is one of the most sought after popular festivals in Bariloche.

•         NATIONAL CURANTO FESTIVAL

If you are one of those travelers passionate about discovering every corner and every detail of their destination: historical, cultural, natural and gastronomic, then you should know that one of Bariloche’s typical dishes has its own party. It’s about curanto. Do you know what it is?

Actually, the curanto tradition is related with the mode of preparation. Foods such as: beef, lamb and pork; chicken and chorizos, potato sweet potatoes and apples, zapallos stuffed with cheese, peas and creams, are wrapped in malca or maqui leaves and placed on a stone that is heated in a campfire in a 15 cm hole.

It’s kind of a pressure furnace. The food is covered with pieces of wet cloth and then with abundant soil. The threads of smoke that sneak through the ground warn us that the food is at its exact point of cooking. The aroma is unique and unmatched.

The curanto (hot stone) technique originates from the native indigenous tribes of Bariloche. So, the National Curanto Festival aims to enhance and maintain over time a method that is part of the essence of this city that, over the years, stands out for its European influence. Bariloche is a special merger between the Araucans and the Swiss.

Truth is that the National Curanto Festival is a culinary event that is held in February of each year, offering foreigners the opportunity to see how this dish is prepared and even taste it. Of course, in the midst of recreational activities, craft fairs, musical events and artists that are presented in a special stage. Take advantage and consult  what to eat in Bariloche. 

As you can see, the popular festivals of Bariloche are as must-see as any walk, excursion or sports practice. They show you the essence of this destination in the midst of the best celebration. Do you want to be part of these traditions? Consult our travel specialists and assemble with them the perfect itinerary for the date of the holiday that most caught your attention.