The long weekend from July 9 to 12, corresponding to the national Independence Day holiday and the first days of the winter break, resulted in a positive balance for tourism activity throughout the province. More than 300,000 people took part in a diverse agenda featuring over 75 events and festivals, generating an economic impact of more than 16.2 billion pesos. An estimated 77,500 visitors arrived, of whom 24,300 were tourists who stayed an average of 2.7 nights, while 53,200 were day‑trippers who made single‑day visits.
The average daily spending per tourist was 152,300 pesos, and average accommodation occupancy reached 51%, according to surveys conducted by the Provincial Tourism Observatory.
The Province’s Minister of Productive Development, Gustavo Puccini, stated that “Santa Fe shows that when the State works together with municipalities, towns, and the private sector, opportunities are created for tourism, commerce, and employment. This long weekend is proof of a province that offers activities throughout the year and is consolidating itself as a driver of federal development.”
Vacations for the Whole Family
The Santa Fe government’s “Vacaciones Copadas” program, along with the wide range of cultural, sports, and recreational activities available throughout the region, attracted visitors from across the country and boosted local tourism.
In Rosario, the city became the epicenter of family- and children-friendly activities with the massive “Finde XXL para Jugar y Crear” program, the Tríptico de la Infancia, Topa’s shows, the Canticuénticos performance, and a diverse lineup of shows that included El Explorador, Aventuras Mineras, Poder K-Pop, Maldita Felicidad, Pequeño Pez, and Los Raviolis.
In the provincial capital and its metropolitan area, more than 110,000 people participated in “Viví el 9 de Julio” in Aristóbulo, the weekend’s largest event, which broke attendance records. Other highlights included “La Diseña” at Belgrano Station, the 12th Argentine Women’s Maxibasketball Championship, and the “Mega Feria 50 Emprendedores.”
In the center of the province, national and culinary celebrations dominated the calendar with the 13th Provincial Spit-Roasted Pork Festival in Llambi Campbell, the Provincial Capelettín Festival in Colonia Aldao, the Spit-Roasted Barbecue Gathering in Gálvez, the Argentine Motorcycle Championship in Centeno, and the Patron Saint Festivals in Sastre and Ortiz.
In the southern part of the province, towns showcased their unique character through major culinary and sporting events: the Spit-Roast Festival in Pueblo Esther, the Spit-Roast Contest in Ibarlucea, the Traditional Creole Festival in Luis Palacios, and the Peach Capital Marathon in Pavón Arriba.
In northern Santa Fe, more than 50,000 people took part in sport fishing events, rural traditions, and rodeo festivals. Highlights included the National and Provincial Amarillo Fishing Festival in Helvecia, the Provincial Calf Festival in Villa Minetti, the Villa Ocampo City Volleyball Cup, the Festival of Communities in Ceres, the Salami Festival in Avellaneda, and the Rodeo Festival in Villa Trinidad, in addition to concerts and fairs that reinforced the region’s cultural identity.
For her part, the Secretary for Tourism, Marcela Aeberhard, commented: “The figures speak for themselves, but behind every figure there are families working, towns growing stronger and a province proudly showcasing itself to the country. Under Maximiliano Pullaro’s leadership, Santa Fe is all about culture, gastronomy, sport and nature, and this weekend it demonstrated this once again with a diverse programme that attracted huge crowds”.
The Provincial Government will continue with the ‘Vacaciones Copadas’ programme throughout the winter break, which will run until 19 July, featuring over 150 free activities spread from the north to the south of the province. The programme includes shows, exhibitions, sightseeing tours, culinary experiences and recreational activities for all ages, with the aim of continuing to promote local tourism and strengthen regional economies.
