July 9 is coming up, and we’re all thinking about celebrating by eating locro. If you’re looking for places to enjoy locro—and, why not, combine it with a getaway near Buenos Aires that offers nature and good food—the perfect getaway for this July 9 weekend is just one hour from Buenos Aires in a town hosting the Locro Festivalwith free admission.
On July 12, the town of Zelaya, in Pilar, celebrates the Provincial Locro Festival, now in its ninth year.
In addition to eating the best locro of your life, you’ll enjoy live music, a charming countryside setting, and 35 chefs competing over an open fire—all with free admission. We’ll tell you everything you need to know and how to get there.
35 chefs in search of the perfect locro—and you can try it
The main attraction of this Locro Festival is, without a doubt, the competition that brings together 35 chefs from different towns who come to Zelaya to prepare their locro recipes live.
A panel of experts is in charge of tasting each locro dish to choose the champion, and best of all, you get to try them afterward. Too much locro? Never! The locro goes fast. We recommend arriving early (around 11:30 a.m.) to secure a table, choose your spot at your leisure, and enjoy it piping hot.
Much more than just food: Live shows and a traditional fair
The Locro Festival isn’t just about food; it’s an experience that lets you immerse yourself in country life and leave the city behind. Remember that the Locro Festival in Zelaya is just one hour from Buenos Aires.
In addition to sampling 35 varieties of locro, you’ll enjoy local and regional bands,traditional dance performances by Creole ballet groups, and amarket featuring artisans and entrepreneurs.
How to get to Zelaya from Buenos Aires
Zelaya is 70 kilometers from Buenos Aires, and you can get there by public transportation or by car. Here’s the best way to get there:
- By car: Take the Pan-American Highway (Pilar Branch) to kilometer 51, and from there, turn onto Provincial Route 25 toward Matheu/Zelaya, following the signs to 800 Vicente Arroyo Street.
- By public transportation: You can take the Mitre Line train (Victoria–Capilla del Señor branch) and get off directly at Zelaya Station, which drops you off just a few blocks from the festival grounds.
📅When: Sunday, July 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
📍Where: Event grounds at 800 Vicente Arroyo Street, Zelaya (Pilar).
👉Distance: About 70 km from Buenos Aires (approx. 1 hour by car).
