Argentina
National Sun Festival, San Juan
The National Festival of the Sun is an important event for the culture and history of San Juan. You have to live it! It is held in February of each year.
Without a doubt, the most important celebration of the province of San Juan is the National Festival of the Sun. A 5-day event during which homage is paid to this “star” –the closest to earth– that characterizes the climate of this magical place, even on winter days.
The festivities take place during the last week of February, hand in hand with different activities: economic, cultural, traditional and customs and historical, recalling facts and people icons of the place.
If you are traveling in this month of the year, do not hesitate to include the National Festival of the Sun in your travel itinerary. To do this, you can contact our specialists right now to help you put together your agenda, depending on how you can live this festive experience without leaving aside the most popular excursions of San Juan.
HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE SUN
To make the most of this event, the first thing is to know its history. This holiday was first celebrated in 1972, having several names over the years: Ferisol in 1978 and Exposol in 1992.
It was in 1993 that it was categorized as a National Festival and baptized with the name under which it is now known. However, in addition to paying homage to the sun, the party has a central theme every year. Some of them have been Argentine Women, Argentine Wine, Crossing of the Andes and Roots of Freedom.
WHAT IS THE CELEBRATION OF THE SUN IN SAN JUAN?
The National Festival of the Sun takes place over several days with central and other secondary events, which take place in different sites of San Juan. During the days of this holiday, many events happen in different parts of the province.
You can’t miss the carriage parade, themed exhibitions about the province or some large or sun-related national cultural theme. Local, national and international artists are presented.
The main event takes place in the Ravine Zone, where the election of the Nacional del Sol Queen and Vicerine is made, along with a super exhibition that mixes with theater, choreography, lights and sounds.
Additional to the final show or closing, there are 2 other important events. One of these is the Theme Fair, which consists of a gastronomic, touristic and agro-industrial exhibition of the province. During this fair there’s also a stage added every night, where local artists are presented.
The other central event is the Sun Carousel, usually held on the fourth day of the party. Between 120,000 and 200,000 people gather in about 2 kilometers from Central Avenue or José Ignacio de la Rosa Avenue. There, the 19 departments of San Juan and the foreign communities that inhabit the province present an allegorical cart decorated with landscapes, economic activities, legends, characters and customs.
In each carriage circulates the queen candidate of each department. However, it is headed by the current queen in a sun-shaped carriage, being replaced at the end of the parade by a car representing the moon.
Ready to be part of St. John’s tradition, culture and history? Then don’t miss the National Sun Festival. Contact our travel specialists to help you include it in your itinerary along with so many other must-see activities in the Cuyana province, you will love it!
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