The three most important events in El Calafate

El Calafate is one of the most emblematic cities in Argentina and not in vain! Besides being home to the imposing and exotic Perito Moreno Glacier, several festivals are held in this city of the Patagonian region, being the Feast of Argentino Lake one of the most outstanding that is celebrated because of nothing less than in honor of its foundation. Meet the three most important events in El Calafate.

Simply put, there’s a lot to do in “The Land of Glaciers”. Whatever the time of your visit, you won’t regret it. Its attractions are unstoppable for all tastes and ages. From natural to gastronomic, historical and cultural, walks and excursions, parties the list goes on! Get to know a little more about this destination with the three most important events to travel to El Calafate: 

1. THE NATIONAL FEAST OF LAKE ARGENTINO

It is the largest festival in Patagonia Argentina. Argentino Lake celebrates its anniversary and does so in a big way. It’s two weeks of celebrations, sports and cultural activities that are organized for this birthday with the assistance of national and international artists in the different musical genres: folklore, cumbia, rock, reggae and melodic.

The festival is lived in the second fortnight of February of each year, a month commemorating the Anniversary of the Baptism of Argentino Lake, so the city dresses up. It’s the most popular event in the region as entertainment is not kept waiting. There is no doubt that travelers who visit El Calafate these days feast on the recreational activities of the place.

Greyhound racing is held at the city’s Equestrian Club, traditional taming and folklore competitions, comedy shows, dance shows, sports events and artistic festivals with local and national figures. It closes with the long-awaited election of the Queen of Lake.

Sponsored by the Secretary of Tourism and the municipality of El Calafate, the Fiesta del Lago Argentino has as its central stage “El Anfiteatro del Bosque” that opened in 2015. Each and every activity is carried out within the framework of a friendly and family climate.

2. ICE FESTIVAL

It is celebrated in July of each year (two or three weekends in a row), having as its main stage the Round Bay of Argentino Lake. A magical place, the largest natural skating space in all of South America with an area of 4 km long and 3 km wide for a depth ranging from 2 to 40 meters in the deepest part.

As the name says, it’s the Ice Festival; from there that ice skating is the protagonist of the celebration. There are demonstrations and, the most important thing, the possibility for all attendees to walk the skating rink. Don’t worry about skates, the Andean Club –as one of the organizers of this event– can rent you a couple of these.

Other of the characteristic activities of the festival is the ice hockey match. While it is practiced, the surroundings of the track become the scene of the sled show. But that’s not all: to this is added the traditional parade with torches and flags in the same Round Bay.

If it’s music, the Ice Party doesn’t fall behind. For these days a musical show is also prepared with the participation of local and national artists, the presentation of murgas and jugglers. There are also sculptors and artists from the region, whose ice works leave us pleasantly surprised year after year.

All this said, it’s interesting to remark that last year the event organizers added painting and poetry contests, jockey and sledge competitions as well as aeromodeling exhibitions and snow sculptures, the presence of clowns with artistic makeup tutorials and the 1st Snow Marathon. Definitely, the show grows better and better!

3. BREAKAGE OF THE PERITO MORENO GLACIER

This is a natural event, the most important and incredible in the Land of Glaciers. Unprecedented! It happens that the Perito Moreno is an active glacier, one of the few in the world and the only one in the Patagonia Argentina that advances, giving us the spectacle that represents its break.

It’s a natural phenomenon that occurs with the growth of the glacier, which advances to form a natural dam in the Argentino Lake. Just then, the lake runs out of a single escape route, so the water level –on the side of the Lake’s Brazo– grows to 30 meters above its usual level.

That dammed water generates such a large pressure that the barrier or ice dam breaks. The sound is thunderous but surprising and fascinating, a beauty that everyone would like to witness. But, the reality is that the rupture of the Perito Moreno Glacier can occur in periods ranging from once a year, to a decade. What there is no doubt about is that it translates into a unique, unrepeatable and, above all, unforgettable experience.

As an interesting fact, we tell you that the first break was recorded in 1917. Since then, the process has been repeated on numerous occasions at regular intervals. Some of the most important in: 1988, 2004 and 2006. Although, the most memorable was recorded in 2008 after being produced in winter and not in summer as is common. 

The last of these events occurred in 2018, but at late night hours, so tourists who expected to see it for those days and planned according to the calculations of the experts, actually couldn’t witness it! Just a matter of luck!

Now you know the three most important events to travel to El Calafate, so if it got your attention, you can organize your trip for the dates contemplated by these parties and thus make the most of this Patagonian city. To do this, you can consult with our travel specialists right now, it will be a pleasure to advise you and help you create your travel itinerary for the total enjoyment of your holiday through travel packages that fit your needs, tastes and budget.

For a better reference, you can check out the best five itineraries to travel to El Calafate. There are alternatives of 2, 3, 4 and up to 9 nights that include flight tickets, transportation, accommodation, food, excursions and walks. Look at the proposals and whatsapp us in case of any doubt. 

Combine walks and excursions with one of the three most important events in El Calafate!