Events & Festivals in South America

The world's most famous off-road endurance race, now held in Saudi Arabia. But for many years it was a South American event. When it was held here, it traversed harsh dunes and mountains of Argentina, Chile, and Peru, with stages viewable by the public.

An open-air jazz festival held in the parks of Mendoza. It features Argentine and international jazz artists across multiple stages. Families bring picnic blankets, and the setting under the trees with the Andes in the distance is relaxed and sophisticated.

The most important folk music festival in Argentina, lasting nine days. It features performances of traditional music styles like zamba and chamamé on a large open-air stage. The town of Cosquín transforms, with peñas, or intimate music clubs, running all night.

A multi-day explosion of music, dance, and costume parades preceding Lent. Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro compete in spectacular performances at the Sambadrome, while street parties, or blocos, fill cities across the continent. The atmosphere is intensely participatory, with locals and visitors dancing together.

This Bolivian festival in Oruro has a grand procession where thousands of dancers in elaborate devil and angel costumes enact a battle between good and evil. The intricate masks and costumes are handmade, and the event blends Catholic and pre-Columbian Andean traditions.

A major international music festival bringing global rock, pop, and electronic headliners to Santiago. Spread across multiple stages in a large park, it attracts a massive, youthful crowd. The setup includes food stalls and art installations alongside the music.

A series of celebrations in Argentina's wine region marking the grape harvest. The main event in Mendoza has a queen's election, a blessing of the fruit, and a colorful parade with floats. Other towns like San Rafael hold their own, more local versions.

The oldest film festival in Latin America, held in the historic walled city of Cartagena. It focuses on Iberoamerican cinema, with screenings in open-air plazas and historic theaters. The setting within the colonial architecture adds a memorable dimension.

Holy Week observances are vivid in South America. Processions with heavy wooden floats bearing statues, penitents in robes, and elaborate church ceremonies occur. In Popayan, Colombia, the nighttime processions with candlelight are known for their solemn, artistic precision.

Known as BAFICI, this event shows modern independent cinema from Argentina and around the world. Screenings are held in theaters across the city, with many directors and actors present for Q&A sessions. It appeals to serious film enthusiasts.

One of the largest book fairs in the Spanish-speaking world. Publishers, authors, and readers gather in a massive convention center. It includes book signings, lectures, and presentations, with a special day dedicated to children's literature.

A seafood festival in the coastal town of Puerto Montt, in Chile's Los Lagos Region. Local fishermen and restaurants serve fresh shellfish like mussels, clams, and oysters, often prepared in simple, traditional ways. The focus is on the quality of the local catch.

The Festival of the Sun, a reenactment of the Inca winter solstice ceremony in Cusco. Participants in traditional Inca clothing perform rituals at Sacsayhuaman fortress, speaking in Quechua. It is a major pageant drawing large crowds of tourists and locals.

The premier international football tournament for South American national teams, held every four years in a host country. Matches generate intense local passion, with fans traveling to support their teams. The atmosphere in host cities is electric during games.

A large parade in San José, Costa Rica, featuring marching bands, elaborate floats, and costumed performers. It celebrates Costa Rican culture and light, marking the start of the festive period. It is a major family event drawing crowds from across the country.

A city-wide celebration of tango, featuring performances by excellent dancers and musicians, milongas, and classes for all levels. The festival culminates in the World Tango Dance Championship. The atmosphere is authentic, attracting tango enthusiasts globally.

One of the world's largest music festivals, originally from Rio de Janeiro. It features multiple days of performances by international superstars across rock, pop, and Brazilian music genres. The site includes themed streets with food and attractions.

Peru's largest culinary celebration, gathering the country's top chefs, food producers, and vendors in one location. Attendees can sample regional dishes, watch cooking demonstrations, and learn about native ingredients. It highlights Peru's variety.

The largest German heritage festival outside of Germany, held in a city settled by immigrants. It features massive beer halls serving authentic brews, traditional food like sausages, parades in folk costume, and live German music and dance.

A craft beer festival held in Santiago, showing dozens of Chilean microbreweries. Visitors buy tokens to sample a wide variety of local brews, from pale ales to seasonal stouts. Food trucks offer pairing options in a lively, tented venue.

The Day of the Dead is observed in various Andean regions. In some towns, families build ornate altars in homes and decorate gravesites with flowers, food, and photos. It is a colorful, communal remembrance rather than a somber occasion.

The premier fashion event in Latin America, showing collections from top Brazilian designers. Held in a custom-built venue, it is a major industry gathering attended by buyers, press, and celebrities. Some events are open to the public.

A week-long festival in Colombia's salsa capital. Events include a grand parade, horse shows, and countless salsa concerts and dance competitions. The city's clubs and street parties buzz with energy, catering to both expert dancers and those wanting to learn.

Celebrations honoring the patron saint of the Americas culminate on December 12th. In many cities, processions and pilgrimages lead to churches. In Peru, the celebration at the church in the district of La Victoria, Lima, involves folk dances and music.