Fiesta de la Chaya

The Fiesta Nacional de la Chaya (Fiesta de la Chaya) is an exciting festival of music, flour, and basil that draws in large crowds from all over looking for an unforgettable experience at Ciudad de La Rioja Autodrome in Argentina. Join this unique cultural event for five fun days you won't forget!

Legend has it that Chaya, a breathtakingly stunning indigenous girl, was madly in love with Pujllay - an amiable yet libertine boy who unfortunately did not return the sentiment. In despair and sorrow, she fled into the wilderness, where she vanished until summer. Every year during this season, Quilla (the Moon goddess) ordained her to come back in dew or fine rain from her divine arm as if embracing Chaya once more.

Pujllay, guilty of the young woman's disappearance, desperately combed through his village in search of her. However, when he eventually heard the news that she had returned during the February moon, upon attempting to see her, it was already too late. Gravely dejected and left feeling abandoned by everyone around him, he dipped into chicha to drown out his sorrows until a fatal accident occurred. He burned alive after falling into a stove.

Subsequently, Chaya arrives every February to reignite the Pujllay fire; annually, this ceremonial blaze flares up for its moment in the spotlight before it is extinguished at the festivities' end. Then, until the following year's celebration, it lays dormant beneath the ground - awaiting next year's revival. So, ensure you are ready to celebrate Fiesta de la Chaya 2024 when it comes around!