Experience the Festival de la Candelaria at Estancita

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.

Supporting Our Schools Through Local Craft

Our Community Project at Estancia Los Potreros

At Los Potreros, we’re celebrating the incredible talents of our local community - with a collection of handcrafted goods that we have for sale in our small shop onsite. From rawhide belts sewn by our gaucho, Pachi, to hand-painted pottery, silk neckscarves similar to those worn by the gauchos, and of course the classic Los Potreros polo shirts, each piece is a little slice of life on the estancia.

This isn’t just about beautiful craftsmanship - it’s about giving back to the place we all call home. Every penny raised goes straight to supporting two of our local schools - which are where many of our employees have attended. Whether it’s helping with school supplies, repairs, or new learning opportunities, your purchase makes a real difference. This is just the beginning of our community outreach programme, and we couldn’t be more proud to kick things off by supporting the next generation.

What You'll Find in Our Small Estancia Shop

Alongside Pachi's rawhide belts, the shop stocks hand-painted mate cups and pieces from other local artisans and craftspeople, so every purchase also supports traditional skills in the region. Each item is a lovely keepsake of your stay, and a reminder of the people who make the estancia what it is.

Where the Money Goes: Projects So Far

All of the shop's proceeds go to the two rural schools we support, including the Gregoria Matorras school on the edge of the estancia, where many of our gauchos studied and their children go today. Over the years, guests' generosity has helped pay for the school's first computer and a printer, a new cooker, solar power, books and stationery, and improvements to the school buildings. You can read more in A Look Into the Success of Our Shop This Season.

Bring Something With You: Pack for a Purpose

We're proud to be part of Pack for a Purpose, so if you have a little space in your suitcase, you can help too. Stationery, footballs and children's games are always welcome, and we gratefully receive any donations. When we can, we ride down to the school to hand them over in person - and it usually ends with a game of football in the playground.

So if you're visiting the estancia or simply want to take home something meaningful, come see what’s on offer. Each item in the shop is rooted in tradition, and made to carry the spirit of Los Potreros…

Friendship and Traditions at Estancia Los Potreros

At estancia los potreros, every story begins with friendship…

IIn the heart of Argentina’s Sierras Chicas, surrounded by rolling hills, open landscapes and endless skies, there is a simple belief that guides everything we do at Estancia Los Potreros: nothing truly meaningful happens without friendship.

For generations, this land has been shaped by connection - between people and nature, between tradition and modern life, and between travellers who arrive as guests and leave as friends. We believe that the most memorable experiences are not just created by the places we visit, but by the people we share them with.

At Estancia Los Potreros, our guests are invited to step into a world where authentic Argentine culture, rural traditions and warm hospitality come together. Located in the Sierras Chicas of Córdoba, our estancia offers a unique opportunity to experience the true spirit of Argentina: from horseback rides across the countryside to long lunches shared around the table, every moment is designed to create connection.

In this video, we invite you to discover the friendships that bring our estancia to life. Guests from across the world come together here - not only to explore the beauty of the Argentine landscape, but to slow down, share stories and become part of our community.

Our connection to the land is deeply rooted in the traditions of the gauchos who have shaped rural Argentina for centuries. Through horseback riding, traditional asados, and everyday life on the farm, guests experience a way of living that celebrates respect for nature, local heritage and the rhythms of the countryside.

Whether you are riding through the Pampas beneath a wide-open sky, learning about Argentine horsemanship, enjoying a homemade meal prepared with local ingredients, or simply relaxing with a glass of wine as the sun sets over the hills, it is the shared moments that make the experience unforgettable.

Friendship is at the heart of everything we do. It connects our team with our guests, our guests with each other, and all of us with the incredible landscape we are fortunate to call home.

At Estancia Los Potreros, we are more than a destination - we are a place where people come together. A place where stories are shared, traditions are celebrated and lifelong friendships are created.

Because here, in the Sierras Chicas, every adventure begins with a connection, every memory is built together, and every story begins with friendship.

Join us and discover the magic of estancia life, where authentic experiences, Argentine traditions and friendships from around the world come together under the open skies.