The three most important events in Ushuaia

Ushuaia has it all. It is history, culture, nature of fascinating fauna and flora, exquisite Patagonian cuisine, charm, adventure, fun and, of course, tradition. See the three most important events in Ushuaia in this city of the Province of Fire. You could include one in your itinerary, depending on the date you’ve set for the trip and, in that sense, take your End of the World experience further.

1. NATIONAL LONGEST NIGHT FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR

The city of Ushuaia is dressed as a party between July 20 and 22 of each year with this event that was born by virtue of fostering community ties. Not for nothing it’s characterized by coexistence and sharing through the activities that take place in sports centers, retirement centers and cultural centers.

It’s a great season for this region of the Patagonia Argentina since it gathers locals, national and foreigner tourists. In fact, there are many museums, restaurants and pubs that have been adding to the holiday.

But why the Longest Night of the Year? It turns out that this festival takes place in the winter solstice that, in the Southern Hemisphere, occurs on June 21; the sun stays on the horizon just 5 hours (between 10:00 hrs and 17:00 hrs). In this sense, the central event is a large campfire with special activities in the Lasserre Sports Center where artistic shows are held with bands of rock, jazz, tango, folklore and other musical genres.

Without a doubt, a must for those who travel to Ushuaia in winter. Cold won’t be an obstacle to stop this event: locals and foreigners go out into the street and fill the bars, discos, restaurants and cultural centers that remain open all night between the 20th and 21st.

But, that’s not all. You can also see the usual beauty of the city of Ushuaia and the Beagle Canal impose yourself with the Torch March and the Fireworks Show, which take place in the vicinity of the Enclosed Bay. It’s a show like no other and, therefore, one of the main attractions of this celebration. To live the experience is to want to repeat it, not in vain leads this top 3 of the most important events in Ushuaia.

2. NIGHT OF VIGIL-VETERAN’S DAY AND THE FALLEN IN THE FALKLANDS WAR

In Ushuaia the month of April begins with the Night of Vigil, as part of the commemoration of Veteran’s Day and the Fallen in the Falklands War. The Goal? To convey to the new generations the importance of these dates, especially of that April 2 in 1982 when the Argentine Armed Forces landed in the Falkland Islands to regain the sovereignty that the British Armed Forces took from us in 1833.

It’s an activity of respect with actions of recognition of those Argentine soldiers who died defending our patriotic soil and, likewise, those who managed to return home but physically and psychologically affected.

The Night of the Vigil was held, uninterruptedly, for 24 years, until it had to be suspended in 2020 as part of the preventive health measures taken after the Pandemic by covid-19. The activity was carried out in a virtual way, being broadcasted on Fueguina Public TV.

Hoping that this significant tradition of the End of the World can resume this 2021, we leave it as a suggestion to you so you know a little more about it and be a part of the history and culture of Ushuaia. A city of Tierra del Fuego Province that, without doubt, goes beyond a majestic nature. So if you plan to travel Next April, do not hesitate to include Vigil Night on your itinerary. The homage is made on the battlefield itself, at the Air Force Pilots Monument on the coast.

3. MARTIAL TORCH DESCENT

One you can’t skip on August. The Martial Torch Descent is a magic event that takes place at the End of the World Park on commemoration of the Day of the Highlander, established by the Argentine Army to praise the labor of those who work on the mountains.

Though the Day of the Highlander is on August 5 in concordance with the Snow Virgin “Patroness of the Highlanders” festivity, the Torch Descent it’s celebrated every August 3. On this day, locals and foreigners enjoy of a day full of artistic performances, short films and virtual reality. 

You can also taste hot chocolate waiting for you at the main event: the Torch Descent from the top of the Martial Glacier, which stars expert skiers. A spectacle like no other, to which are added rituals such as the ignition of the doll of bad omens. The expectants can partake in this ritual by burning papers with messages expressing the evil energies from which they want to be released.

If you are planning a trip to Ushuaia in August, do not miss the opportunity to present the event that illuminates with torches this natural monument of Ushuaia. In addition, you will find a renovated mountain center. The 2019 edition of the Bajada was made with the hand of a growth process with improvements to Cerro Martial, End of the World Park. 

These are the three most important events in Ushuaia. Surely, now that you know them, you’ll want to live one of these! If so, don’t hesitate to contact our travel advisors. Based on the events you want to experience, they will help you create a travel itinerary. Remember that the idea is to enjoy and not get tired or overwhelmed so we will help you combine excursions and activities based on schedules and difficulties.

In fact, if you wish, you can combine excursions with accommodation, transportations and food through travel packages that also include air tickets. If you are interested in this option and want to know more, you can take a look at the best 5 itineraries to travel to Ushuaia.

Experience Ushuaia from its traditions!