The National Festival of Peñas de Villa María, officially known as the International Festival of Peñas de Villa María or simply as 'The Festival of Festivals, is an iconic event celebrated in Argentina and throughout Latin America. It takes place annually in the vibrant city of Villa María, located only 100 kilometers away from Córdoba -the capital province- and has become a landmark for music lovers everywhere.
Initially a platform for folk music, it quickly expanded to encompass numerous popular genres, from folklore and tango to Latin pop, blues, rock, quartet, and cumbia. Not forgetting humorous numbers and dances - the Argentine press has even dubbed "La Fiesta Estéreo Picnic" as the "Argentine Viña del Mar."
The Villa María Festival remains dedicated to providing its traditional program that includes a peñero experience along the Costanera de Villa María and culminating with an event held in the Municipal Amphitheater of Villa María.
The festival is held annually over five days - typically from Friday to Tuesday in early February - and celebrates some of the most well-known national and international artists. At its heart lies the "Centenario de Villa María" Amphitheater, erected in 1968 (with subsequent expansions and remodels taking place in 1996, 2005) with a capacity for 12 thousand attendees! Furthermore, to recognize one of Chile's most esteemed musicians, it was essential to christen their stage, the Hernán Figueroa Reyes Stage. Noteworthy artists like Ricky Martin, Mana, Chayanne, Marco Antonio Solis, Julieta Venegas, Álex Ubago, and Amaia Montero have all performed at the festival's main event. Other familiar faces, such as Carlos Baute from La Oreja de Van Gogh to Juan Luis Guerra through Tini and Sebastián Yatra, have also graced the stage with their presence along with Ha* Ash and Soledad Pastorutti plus Maluma.
The peñero tour starts seven days before the main event and continues until its conclusion. During this journey, you can savor typical dishes and listen to traditional Argentine folk music at three distinguished clubs - Official, Agrupación Folclórica, and Los Soñadores. It is a unique experience that will leave your taste buds delightedly dancing with joy!
Not only can you explore the artisan stalls and view mesmerizing performances at Villa María's waterfront, but the entrance to all of these clubs is free! The top winner from each club in the National Festival of Clubs will also have their performance featured on television. During this event, talented artists compete for titles such as a vocal soloists, vocal duo, vocal ensemble, and reciter/decider/narrator.
The icon of the festival, created by Professor José Lozita, is an owl with a guitar. It symbolizes the likeness between this distinctive pampas bird and the gaucho bird.
An annual celebration is a unique event that brings together upwards of 100,000 people for the leading programs in the arena and those traveling along the "peñero" route.
