Feria de Mataderos

Located way out in the western suburbs, the lighthearted folk festival Feria de Mataderos will take almost an hour to reach by bus 155 or 126 – but the journey’s worth it. Brilliantly costumed teenagers perform folkloric dances on stage while gauchos on horseback compete in traditional contests and local ladies dish out hearty country-style food and sweet patero wine. Over 100 craft stalls sell affordable handmade treasures from horse-hoof ashtrays to leather and metalwork; indulge yourself along the strip of gourmet food stalls where vendors offer free samples of dulce de leche liqueur, cheeses, and homemade liquors. For details on upcoming festivals, check their website. The long bus ride to Mataderos is a cultural experience in itself – but travelers on a strict schedule can also arrive by taxi.