The Festival de la Candelaria at La Estancita Chapel
Deep in the Córdoba countryside, where the horizon stretches wide and life follows the seasons, 2 February is a day of real significance. The Festival de la Candelaria is an annual gathering at the historic chapel of La Estancita, on the edge of the estancia, and a vibrant bridge between Catholic tradition and the rugged spirit of the gaucho. It's one of the highlights of our year, and we're proud to share it with our guests.
The festival celebrates Our Lady of Candelaria, a title of the Virgin Mary that stands for purification, hope and the return of light. Usually shown holding a candle, she's a guardian for the families and workers of the countryside, watching over their horses, their families and the long journeys they make across the land.
Mass, Procession and Gauchos on Horseback
Once a year, the doors of the little chapel swing open to honour her, drawing neighbours and families from across the region. The morning fills with the sound of hooves as gauchos arrive on horseback - often more than 100 riders. The day begins with Mass, followed by a procession around the stations of the cross, with the statue of the Virgin carefully carried by worshippers and the gauchos riding alongside in their finest. Look out for the mini-gauchos riding in front of their fathers, brothers and sisters, a lovely sign of how the tradition passes from one generation to the next.
Silver, Rawhide and Handmade Gaucho Tack on Show
For a gaucho, few days are more exciting than a festival. It's the time to wear their best clothes, show off their finest horse and display their handcrafted leather and silverwork - belts, bridles, saddles and more. The horses are dressed to impress in homemade tack decorated with hearts, stars and traditional crudo (rawhide), and the attention to detail is remarkable. As horse lovers, it's the part we look forward to most.
Come and Join Us for La Candelaria Next February
The whole day is a wonderful mix of faith, tradition and community, and one of the best ways to see rural Córdoba at its most authentic. If you're staying with us in early February, mark 2 February in your calendar - it's a festival you won't want to miss.
