On the weekend of June 20 and 21, Carlos Keen—one of the prettiest rural towns near Buenos Aires — welcomes the winter solstice with an unmissable festival where, in addition to concerts and culinary delights, you can enjoy a wishing bonfire. We’ll tell you how to get to Carlos Keen and how to experience winter anew at this free festival.
Carlos Keen Celebrates the Winter Solstice with a Free Mega-Concert and a Wishing Bonfire
Carlos Keen is a culinary town in the Luján district, and it’s all set for the 2026 edition of the Fiesta del Sol —its 26th edition! This festival, held to welcome winter , is a June tradition that combines mystique, country flavors, and a lineup of shows with free admission.
What Is the Festival of the Sun and Inti Raymi?
The Festival of the Sun in Carlos Keen has a very special mystique because it coincides with the winter solstice (the shortest day and longest night of the year) and is inspired by the worldview of the indigenous peoples. That’s why, during this winter festival, the Inti Raymi ceremony takes place: a sacred ritual to pay homage to the sun and give thanks for the harvests.
The Wishing Bonfire and a schedule of free concerts
One of the most anticipated moments of the sun festival happens just as evening falls, because that’s when the wishing bonfire is lit. It’s a giant bonfire where everyone forms a circle around the fire and tosses pieces of paper with their written wishes into it. The reason behind lighting a bonfire into which people toss their written wishes is the popular belief that the fire’s energy cleanses and elevates those wishes so they can come true.
In addition to the bonfire, you won’t want to miss the concerts. The artists for this 2026 edition have already been confirmed. Live music will start at noon on the grounds of the old train station, and here’s the schedule:
- Saturday, June 20: Martu Ferreyra, Corazón Malvinero, Raúl Ausilio, and Mayma. Los Palmeras will provide the grand finale for the first day.
- Sunday, June 21: The second day features the El Ombú Municipal Orchestra, Smoking Brothers, Ras Gangalle, and two spectacular tribute bands: El Farolito (a tribute to Los Piojos) and Parte de la Religión, celebrating the work of Charly García.
Food courtyard and craft fair
This town is known for its restaurants and general stores, so going there and not eating is a sin. In addition to the town’s general stores and local eateries, at the old train station—where the Sun Festival takes place—you’ll find a huge food court featuring country sausages and cheeses, marinated dishes, and freshly fried traditional empanadas, as well as cross-roasted meat, hot locro, and sweet treats like pastries and fried cakes to enjoy with your mate.
How to get to Carlos Keen from Buenos Aires by car or public transportation
Carlos Keen is located 85 kilometers from the Federal Capital (a trip of just over an hour and a quarter). The routes are very straightforward:
By public transportation: You can take bus 57 (from Plaza Italia or Once), which takes you directly to the Luján Bus Terminal. From the Luján terminal or the town center, regular local buses and taxis depart, connecting you to Carlos Keen in just a few minutes.
By car: Leave Buenos Aires (CABA) via the Acceso Oeste Highway. Drive straight past downtown Luján and take the exit at kilometer 72 (you’ll see signs pointing toward Carlos Keen). From there, follow the straight access road until you reach the village’s dirt roads and historic facades. Another route option is to take National Route 7.
📅When: Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21
⏰Time: Starting at 12:00 p.m.
📍Where: Carlos Keen Train Station grounds, Luján
👉Admission: Free
