The National Snow Festival in Bariloche, one of the most anticipated events of the winter season, dazzled premises and tourists again with its vibrant cultural, sports and community proposal. In its 54th edition, the traditional snow party deployed a variety of activities that celebrated the traditions of the region, including the emblematic Hacheros contest, which took place on Saturday, August 16 at the Civic Center, with the imposing Lake Nahuel Huapi as a witness of the competition.
Adrenalin
The Hacheros contest, a show that joins skill, tradition and physical strength, has become an iconic party event, attracting local competitors and the region. In this edition, 44 participants (14 women and 30 men) demonstrated their skills when cutting trunks up to 40 cm in the male and 30 cm category in the female. With the sound of the chamamé marking the rhythm, the competitors tested their agility and precision against an enthusiastic audience that accompanied with applause and shouts of encouragement.
This event is not only characterized by physical skill, but also by the deep connection with the roots of Bariloche, where firewood collection is a fundamental activity in many homes in the region. The generations of hacks remain alive in the contest, with surnames such as Quijada, Gualmes and Oyarzo, which are repeated year after year in this competition, transmitting from parents to children a trade that is part of the identity of the region.
Tradition
The Hacheros contest was only one of the events that gave life to this day. As is traditional, the day began with the warmth of the community and the energy of the competitors, but as the afternoon progressed, the scenario of the civic center came to life with musical performances and activities for the whole family. On stage, folklore and urban music combined to accompany the holiday. Local bands and renowned artists, such as Bombo Sur and El Gordo Elvis, made the attendees vibrate with their varied musical proposal.
At 16:00, the Pisonver contest and the weavers parade began, where wool pieces, made with dedication by the weavers of the region, showed off in a parade of beauty and artisanal skill. This activity was also a sample of the solidarity of the party, since some of the woven blankets will be destined to the local hospital.
One of the most anticipated moments was the nautical parade, at 7:00 p.m., at Lake Nahuel Huapi, followed by an outstanding presentation of the Río Negro Philharmonic at 20:00. Finally, the night closed with an urban music show by the hand of the Tiago Pzk phenomenon, who, before a civic center full, closed the day with a brooch of gold.
Identity
The National Snow Festival not only celebrates winter in Bariloche, but also stands as a testimony of the cultural identity of the region. Since its first edition in 1954, the party has grown and evolved, being formalized as a national holiday in 1971. In its early years, the holiday was linked to the devotion to the Virgen de las Nieves and the skiing, but over time it was transformed into a multifaceted event that covers music, sports, art and popular tradition.
This year, with an 80% hotel occupancy, the party has attracted thousands of tourists, not only from Argentina but also from abroad. From Brazil, one of the main tourist markets in the region, to visitors from other corners of the country, all gathered in Bariloche to be part of the holiday.
The event also rescued the local traditions, with young competitions, and activities that honor trades that are part of the DNA of Bariloche. In the words of the City Secretary of Tourism, Sergio Herrero, “the party seeks to break the monotony of winter, integrating the community and giving prominence to local talent.” This approach has been reflected in the support of the management of Mayor Walter Cortés, who has managed to revitalize the party, integrating all sectors.
By rn
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