Okay, here’s my attempt at a blog post about my experience at the Feria de Mataderos, written in a casual, relatable style, focusing on the practical experience.
Feria de Mataderos: My Day Amongst the Gauchos (and Empanadas)
So, I finally made it out to the Feria de Mataderos! I’d heard about it forever – the gauchos, the folk music, the crafts, the food – and figured it was time to actually go.
It all started Saturday morning. I woke up kinda late, around 10 am, which is practically noon for a Saturday in Buenos Aires. Threw on some jeans and a t-shirt – nothing fancy, it’s an outdoor market after all. Figured out the bus situation, which, let’s be honest, is always an adventure here. I hopped on the 92, which I thought went straight there. Turns out, it does…eventually.
The bus ride itself was part of the experience. It’s like a mini tour of the city’s less-touristy areas. Passed through some neighborhoods I’d never even seen before. Took about an hour and a half, maybe more. I was getting a little worried I was on the wrong bus, but finally saw the sign: “Mataderos.”
Stepping off the bus, the first thing that hit me was the music. It was loud. Like, proper folk music, with accordions and guitars and guys singing their hearts out. Total immersion.
The market was huge. Stretched down several blocks. Started wandering around, just taking it all in. First thing I saw was a dude selling mate gourds and bombillas (the metal straws). I already have one, but they were so cool, I was tempted to buy another.
Then, the food. Oh man, the food. Empanadas everywhere! Beef, chicken, veggie – you name it. I grabbed a beef empanada from this lady with a tiny little stand. It was hot, juicy, and tasted like heaven. Cost me like 200 pesos, a steal!
After the empanada, I wandered through the craft stalls. Lots of leather goods – belts, wallets, bags. Also saw some really cool hand-woven ponchos and rugs. I don’t really need a poncho, but I almost bought one just because it looked so authentic.
The best part, though, was watching the gauchos. They were showing off their horsemanship skills – doing tricks on their horses, cracking whips, just generally looking awesome. It was like stepping back in time. I watched a few of the performances, and they were truly incredible.
Around 4 pm, I was starting to get tired and my feet were killing me. Plus, I’d eaten way too many empanadas. I decided to head back. Getting back on the bus was another adventure. It was packed! Had to stand the whole way back, but it was worth it.
All in all, the Feria de Mataderos was a blast. It’s a little bit out of the way, but definitely worth the trip. If you want to experience a real slice of Argentine culture, this is the place to go. Just be prepared for crowds, loud music, and lots of delicious food. And maybe learn a few tango steps before you go – you never know when you might get the chance to dance!
Here are a few random thoughts and tips:
Bring cash! Most of the vendors don’t take credit cards.
Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Don’t be afraid to try the food. The empanadas are a must!
Brush up on your Spanish. Not everyone speaks English.
Go early! It gets crowded later in the day.
Most importantly: have fun!
Would I go again? Absolutely. Next time, I’m bringing a bigger appetite and a stronger pair of walking shoes.
