BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA. In the Argentine capital for the weekend and not sure yet what to do? No matter which neighborhood you are in, there’s bound to be a Feria near you. Literally translated as a fair, a feria can be anything from a series of stands to a competition of gauchos or a conglomeration of street performers. With such an ample selection to choose from, here are some of the top three picks you might wish to check out.
1. The Feria de San Telmo
Located in the hip neighborhood of San Telmo, this fair boasts the most ample selection of antiques. Yet another reason to go are the amazing street artists and performers – even a physically disabled boy who was painting with his foot. The photo below does not measure up to his talent.
The Feria de San Telmo at the cross-streets Humberto and Defensa. The real charm is at the Plaza Dorrego.
A little boy painting with his feet – all he asks for is money to buy more paint
Another amazing street performer, a guy without a face but a hat and sunglasses!
Imagine holding this position for 10 minutes – certainly requires some endurance!
2. The Feria de Mataderos
If you’re looking to escape the tourist trail, head to Mataderos. Here, the locals mingle with the occasional tourist to buy a variety of leather goods and artesanal culinary products. There are also the occasional performances of tango and belly dancers. And not to forget the typical local gauchos at the end of the fair. A definite must-see – just make sure to leave Mataderos before it gets dark, it didn’t look like the safest place to be at night!
A performance of belly dancers
Gauchos competing, it was incredible how young the boys were
Music is not missing at Mataderos either
3. Feria de Recoleta
If you’re going to stop by Eva Peron’s tomb at the Recoleta Cemetery, you can’t miss the market at Plaza Francia. Though the selection of goods is smaller than at Mataderos or San Telmo, it is worth a visit if you’re in the area. The Museo de Bellas Artes and BA Design complex are also near, so you can combine the artesanal with the cultural!
Looking towards Plaza Francia
Vendors giving each other a massage – yes, the selling job is certainly exhausting!
A clown heading for his break, too