Feria De Mataderos: Buenos Aires Most Vibrant Fair In Photos

The Feria de Mataderos, or Mataderos Fair, is a traditional Argentine market located in the Mataderos neighborhood of Buenos Aires. As you can see from the photos of the Feria de Mataderos, this fair is a vibrant celebration of rural Argentine culture. It is known for its folk music, dance performances, artisanal crafts, traditional foods, and gaucho (Argentine cowboys) demonstrations, such as horseback riding competitions and the ring race (carrera de sortijas).

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After exploring Buenos Aires’ top attractions and some off-the-beaten-path, grab a drink at one of the notable bars and cafes and, if it is a Sunday, head to the Mataderos Market.

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What's Inside This Post

Feria de Mataderos Buenos Aires Historical Background

Feria de Mataderos stall is richly adorned with brightly colored pottery. These hand-painted ceramic pots and bowls feature vibrant orange and blue hues, accented with intricate white floral and traditional patterns. The pieces vary in size and are thoughtfully arranged to create a visually striking display, inviting market-goers to browse and purchase. A vendor can be seen in the background, tending to the stall and the handcrafted wares.

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Starting in 1986 as a means to preserve Argentine folk traditions, the fair is set in Mataderos, a neighborhood whose name means “slaughterhouses.” This area’s history with the rural economy makes it an authentic backdrop for celebrating Argentina’s agrarian roots.

Feria de Mataderos CABA Cultural Significance

Gaucho Culture

Central to the Mataderos market is the celebration of gaucho culture. These legendary horsemen, emblematic of Argentine and Uruguayan rural life, showcase their skills in traditional events. You can get an up-close look at gauchos in action, participating in ring races and skill tests that highlight their horsemanship.

Two men engage in a conversation at a market stall that features a collection of traditional knives with various handle designs, laid out on a red cloth. The knives come in different sizes and appear to be handcrafted, with some displayed in leather sheaths. This kind of stall is characteristic of markets that sell handmade tools and crafts, reflecting local customs and craftsmanship.

Folk Music and Dance

The Feria de Mataderos in Buenos Aires is also a stage for Argentina’s folk music and dance, presenting styles from across the country. With live performances of tango, zamba, chacarera, and more, you can experience diverse rhythms and moves.

At this lively market stall, an array of traditional musical instruments is on display, showcasing the cultural heritage of the region. Various sizes of hand drums with colorful patterns hang above, while the table is adorned with smaller percussion instruments like maracas, claves, and handheld drums. Customers can explore and perhaps play a tune, creating a musical and vibrant atmosphere typical of a cultural fair or market.

Argentine Traditional Arts and Crafts

Artisans from every corner of Argentina gather here to sell their work, from silver and leather to textiles and pottery. You can have a glimpse into traditional techniques and styles.

A market stall displays a variety of mate cups, or "mates," traditionally used for drinking the South American herbal tea, mate. The collection showcases cups with various designs, including those with metal rims and decorative detailing. The mate cups are accompanied by bombillas, the special straws used for drinking mate. The arrangement also includes some wooden bowls and utensils, highlighting the rich cultural tradition of mate drinking in regions like Argentina.

Argentina Food Traditions

Food is a big part of Mataderos Market in Buenos Aires. Take the chance to taste regional favorites like empanadas, locro, and asado and buy some to take home.

An appetizing Argentinian barbecue meal spread out on a table, featuring grilled meats such as steak and sausage, complemented by lemon wedges for added flavor. Accompanying the hearty proteins are a fresh salad with lettuce and tomato, along with a selection of bread rolls. This setup is typical of a casual outdoor dining experience, showcasing the rich culinary tradition of Argentina.

Mataderos Market Experience

The Feria de Mataderos in Buenos Aires is the place where Argentine traditions come to life.

A market stall at Mataderos Fair displays an assortment of traditional Argentinian mate utensils. Various calabash gourds and wooden mate cups, some ornately decorated with colorful patterns and national symbols, are lined up alongside bombillas (metal straws), each designed for sipping mate, a cultural beverage. Additional crafts and decorative items featuring Argentinian motifs suggest a vibrant celebration of local traditions and craftsmanship at the fair.

The first thing you’ll notice is the smoky aroma of asado, Argentina’s iconic barbecue, filling the air. Then you’ll walk past stalls selling empanadas, pastelitos, and all kinds of homemade foods.

A man in a green apron is grilling a variety of meats at a busy street food stall af Feria da Mataderos Buenos Aires, spraying seasoning on them. The grill is full, suggesting a popular spot, possibly at an outdoor market or fair. Behind him, there are people seated under a blue tarp, indicating a casual dining environment common in outdoor markets. Smoke and the presence of a large pot, perhaps with oil for frying, contribute to a lively culinary scene.

Pay special attention to the artisan stalls selling hand-woven textiles, leather goods, silverwork, pottery, and handmade yerba mate utensils. These items make the best souvenirs or gifts to take home from Argentina.

A vibrant array of handcrafted items is displayed on a table at Mataderos Fair, featuring intricate designs and bright colors. The collection includes various painted wooden boxes, possibly for jewelry or keepsakes, alongside decorative ceramic pieces such as coasters and trinkets. Artworks depicting colorful scenes and mandala designs are also visible, along with keychains that showcase similar patterns. Price tags suggest this is a market setup, inviting customers to purchase these unique, artisanal creations.

I bought a pair of shoes from the stall in the picture below. They are one of the most comfortable and softest shoes I’ve ever had.

A vibrant display of handmade shoes featuring traditional Andean patterns, likely made from alpaca wool. The footwear ranges from high-top sneakers with bright laces to more traditional sandals, all adorned with colorful, geometric designs. The craftsmanship suggests a blend of modern styles with indigenous cultural influences. Small accessories and textile crafts also appear on the table, contributing to the rich tapestry of items available at this market stall.

Music is a big part of the Mataderos Fair. You will hear all kinds of folk music and see dancers both on stage and in the crowd. The atmosphere is so lively and joyful that you’ll be tempted to try some of the traditional dances, no matter how complicated they may seem.

A market stall richly adorned with traditional handcrafted textiles. Woolen ponchos with geometric patterns hang in the background, exhibiting a variety of colors from deep blues to vibrant reds. In the forefront, artisanal hats with intricate woven bands rest atop a stack of more textiles, highlighting the detailed craftsmanship. The display offers a glimpse into the cultural fashion and skilled workmanship of the local artisans.

The Mataderos Fair is also a showcase for the gaucho. Watch Argentina’s iconic horsemen demonstrate their skills in exciting competitions such as the ring race.

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Mataderos Fair Practical Visitor Information

A collection of handmade ceramic mugs is on display at a market stall. Each mug features earthy tones and traditional patterns, possibly inspired by indigenous or folk designs. Some of the mugs have lids, and they vary in color, with some exhibiting natural clay hues and others in deep greens and browns. Price tags attached to each item suggest that these mugs are not only decorative but also functional and for sale, inviting market-goers to purchase a piece of local craftsmanship.

Feria de Mataderos Buenos Aires Location

The fair is held in the neighborhood of Mataderos, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, at the intersection of Lisandro de la Torre and Avenida de los Corrales.

At the market stall, a variety of handcrafted items are on display. Leather bags with native designs hang above a table where painted gourds and wooden bowls are neatly arranged, each decorated with vibrant patterns and symbols. Behind the stall, wall hangings featuring cultural motifs add to the artisanal atmosphere. It's a colorful scene that captures the essence of traditional craftsmanship.

Mataderos Market Buenos Aires Days And Hours

The fair takes place on Sundays from mid-March to mid-December from around 11:00 to 19:00.

A market stall showcases an assortment of cured meats, including salami and mortadella, hanging in neat rows. Below, the table is lined with various bottles and jars, including honey and possibly homemade sauces or syrups. A sign highlights "Mortadela Caserita," indicating homemade quality, with a price tag for shoppers. Fresh loaves of bread also feature in the display, complementing the meats. The vendor, partially visible, adds to the lively market scene, offering a slice of local culinary tradition.

How To Get To Feria De Mataderos

Public buses (colectivos) can take you to the Mataderos fair from various points in Buenos Aires. You’d better ask at your hotel.

A market stall draped with handwoven textiles exhibits a colorful selection of traditional ponchos and shawls. The various patterns and colors on display reflect the artisan's skill and the cultural heritage of the region. On the table in the foreground, smaller items such as woven bags and handicrafts are presented, while the vendor sits behind, contributing to the authentic atmosphere of the market. The textiles, with their detailed fringes and vibrant stripes, are a testament to the craftsmanship that the Feria de Mataderos is known for.

Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available and very convenient. I used Uber to go to Mataderos Fair and back. It was fast and not expensive at all.

If you’re driving, finding parking can be challenging.

At the Feria de Mataderos, a vendor displays an array of mate cups and bombillas. The mate cups are crafted in different colors and some feature ornate metalwork. The bombillas, with decorative handles, are laid out in front for easy viewing. Behind the table, signs list various fragrances, hinting at the diverse offerings of the fair. The vendors, engaged in conversation, add a personal touch to this cultural shopping experience.

Mataderos Fair Entrance Fee

Admission to the fair is free. Your only expenses will be what you choose to eat and buy. Be sure to bring some cash, as most vendors do not accept credit cards. Check the Blue Dollar and MEP rates before exchanging currency and choosing a payment method.

At a market stall, there's an assortment of handcrafted leather goods. The display features intricately embossed leather wallets in various hues like browns, reds, and blues, alongside small, ornate purses. Above the wallets, there are keychains with leather tags, each embossed with a different letter of the alphabet, hanging neatly in rows. This showcase of leather craftsmanship highlights the quality and cultural artisanship available at this market.

Mataderos Fair Accessibility

The outdoor nature of the Mataderos fair means it’s generally accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but it can be crowded, and the ground is uneven in places.

A colorful food stall at Feria de Mataderos named "Salame Quintero" from Estancia Don Abel - Mercedes. The stall features an array of homemade food products, prominently displaying various types of salami and cheese, with prices and promotions indicated on bright signs. Behind the counter, the reflection of the vendors can be seen in a mirror, and the backdrop features imagery of salami, contributing to the inviting presentation of the stall. This setup is typical of a traditional market, where local vendors sell their artisanal produce. — Feria de Mataderos homemade food stall

Tips for Visiting The Feria De Mataderos

Cash: Many vendors and food stalls do not accept credit cards, so it’s essential to carry enough cash.
Weather: Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately, as the Mataderos market is outdoors.
Cultural Etiquette: Engage respectfully with the artisans and performers, and ask for permission before taking photographs.
Language: While Spanish is the primary language spoken, you might find vendors and attendees who can communicate in English.

Mataderos Fair Safety

As with any crowded public space, keep an eye on your personal belongings to prevent theft.

The Feria de Mataderos is the place where you’ll see the country’s traditions alive and in full color. It’s an essential stop for anyone wanting to get to know Argentina’s culture.

A vendor at Mataderos market stall arranges a colorful collection of handmade pottery. The ceramics feature playful designs and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including mugs, bowls, and pots, with a mix of vibrant and pastel colors. The display is organized to showcase the unique craftsmanship of each piece, inviting passersby to take a closer look and perhaps choose a handmade item to take home.

What is unique about the Mataderos Fair?

The Mataderos Fair is unique for its celebration of Argentine rural culture and traditions. It is a mix of traditional folk music, dance performances, gaucho (Argentine cowboy) skill demonstrations, including horseback riding competitions, and stalls selling artisanal goods, such as handmade crafts, leather products, silverwork, and traditional Argentine foods.

On which day of the week you can shop at the outdoor market of Mataderos?

You can shop at the outdoor market of Mataderos typically on Sundays.

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Conclusion

Have you visited the Feria de Mataderos? What was the highlight of your day there? Drop a comment and let me know your stories or any insider tips you have.

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Feria De Mataderos: Buenos Aires Most Vibrant Fair In Photos

Feria de Mataderos Buenos Aires Historical Background