In an atmosphere filled with tradition and enthusiasm, the official launch of the 44th edition of the National Festival of the Simoca Fair took place at the Casa de la Provincia de Tucumán in Buenos Aires. This emblematic event will be celebrated from July 6th in the province of Tucumán. The event was graced by the presence of Councilor Marcelo Herrera, along with notable figures such as Elvio Salazar, Mayor of Simoca; Sisto Terán, who highlighted the cultural importance of the event; and Luis Alvarez, Secretary of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Simoca.

During the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to sample a variety of typical foods, providing a preview of what promises to be a true gastronomic festival.

The National Festival of the Simoca Fair promises to be an unforgettable event, featuring a program that includes national, provincial, and local artists, gaucho parades, and a wide array of products from local vendors. On Saturdays, July 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th, Simoca will transform into a vibrant stage of music, folklore, and gastronomy, open to all who wish to enjoy an authentic and unique experience in Tucumán.

Statements from Elvio Salazar, Mayor of Simoca

Elvio Salazar, Mayor of Simoca, provided an emotional statement on the importance of the National Festival of the Simoca Fair for the local community and regional tourism.

"Our fair features more than 50 straw huts, those old huts we used to visit with our grandparents in the countryside. The Simoca Fair spans an average of ten blocks of straw huts where traditional foods are offered, along with over 200 stalls selling a variety of goods. The fair is held every Saturday of the year, starting at 5 or 6 in the morning until 5 p.m., and the national festival will begin at 12 noon until around midnight," explained Salazar.

"It is a family-friendly and completely free event, which is why we invite tourists visiting Tucumán to come to Simoca, a safe and welcoming place. We are enriched by various national, provincial, and local artists, and thanks to the collaboration with the provincial government, we maintain our culture and tourism," added Salazar.

Statements from Sisto Terán

Sisto Terán, in charge of the Casa de la Provincia de Tucumán in Buenos Aires, known for his commitment to local culture, offered a detailed vision of the importance of the fair. "The fair is a traditional phenomenon that exists in all countries around the world. In a common place, like a plaza or a particular site, goods and services are exchanged. However, in Simoca, this fair has a unique and different tradition," Terán noted.

"In July, the month of the homeland where Tucumán hosted the birth of Argentina, four consecutive Saturdays are celebrated with events that start at 5 a.m. with pots of mate cocido and cakes, continuing with empanadas and other gastronomic delights. National and provincial artists perform, and everything is absolutely free. It's an opportunity to support local families, allowing them to sell their products and food, and sustain their economy," affirmed Terán.

"People visiting Termas de Río Hondo in July cannot miss stopping by Simoca. This event is not only a showcase of our culture but also a vital economic support for many families. We invite everyone to experience this unique event," concluded Terán.

Statements from Father Luis Alvarez

Father Luis Alvarez, Secretary of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Simoca, spoke about the economic and cultural relevance of the fair. "This 44th edition of the fair's festival is very special. Besides the fair in July, we have another big celebration in October and November dedicated to the sulky, with 50 huts and 80 more on this occasion," Alvarez began.

"The Saturdays of July 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th will attract around 50,000 people each day. This influx of visitors provides economic relief to many local families, allowing them to sell their products and sustain themselves for several months. But the most important thing is to preserve the typical and unique aspects of our culture," emphasized Alvarez.

"Simoca receives visitors all year round, many of whom follow a tourist circuit that includes Termas de Río Hondo and Tafí del Valle. In July, the fair becomes a multicultural meeting point, with visitors from all over the country and abroad. This cultural and tourist exchange is very valuable," Alvarez stated.

"The effort we put into the fair is enormous. We start at 5 a.m. and leave late, but it is worth seeing our people happy and visitors enjoying our hospitality. This year, we will inaugurate the bust of Virgilio Carmona, a tribute to his legacy in music and folklore," Alvarez concluded.