Fiesta del Sánguche de Milanesa: the event that moves crowds in Tucumán

Tucumán, land of milangas and fritangas

As in all passion, a divine figure to worship and idolize is key. That role occupies José Norberto Leguizamón, better known as “Chacho”an old sanguchero who gained fame more than 40 years ago, from his humble task as a master of this delicacy.

With the figure of Chacho Leguizamón, Milanese sandwich (as it is originally called) became much more relevant. So much so that he transcended borders and reinforced the identity of Tucumán, as a kind of Mecca of this prodigious sandwich. The fame of the old sanguchero was consecrated for eternity, since on March 18, 2010 he passed away after suffering a long illness. From there, that date was established as Milanesa Sandwich Day in that province.

For the Milanesa Sandwich National Festival, which was held on the premises of the Rural Society of Tucumán between November 11 and 13, an organization scheme was thought for all the departments of the province to participate. Each corner of the province sent their representatives to compete to decide who makes the best sandwich.

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Fiesta del Sánguche de Milanesa: a celebration of flavors and customs

Over the past weekend, more than 30 stalls showed why this particular dish is so transcendental in the social life of Tucumans. Around the meal, there is a social ritual of families, couples and friends sharing a moment together. As every ritual rules, there are things that cannot be missing. The Milanese sandwich should be accompanied by a cold beer or an ice cold Mirinda Manzana, a drink that is also unique, since it is only available there.

With all these condiments, the celebration that promoted the Tucumán Tourism Entity, with the support of the Provincial Ministry of the Interiorhad among its main attractions the contest called “In search of the best sangucherías”, where sangucheros from all corners of the Garden of the Republic showed their skills.

hand in hand Diego Viruel and Luciano Valllejo As organizers of this movement, a new milestone was experienced that gives impetus to the national gastronomic route and enhances the variety of the local tourism offer. They put on their shoulders the previous party, where there was a qualifying phase in each department of Tucumán, in which each sanguchería competed to participate in the main event.

“Pepe”, “La Morocha”, “El Turco”, “Las Milas Grosas”, “Ferro”, among others, are some of the names of the sangucherías that attest to that passion and pride in this delicacy that summons crowds. The competition for the best Milanese sandwich distributed prizes as an incentive to the local economy, so that this venture can strengthen its production.

The contest finally had the sanguchería as the winner “Rooster Dolphin”, who won the main prize of $250,000, a humble local from southern Tucuman. In second place was “The brunette”who obtained $150,000, while the podium was completed by “San expedito”with the prize of $100,000.

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The biggest Milanese sandwich in the world

Another of the central points of the Milanesa Sandwich National Festival It was the elaboration of the world’s largest Milanese sandwich, where master sangucheros from all over the province took part.

It was a sandwich 5.25 meters long by 50 centimeters wide, in which 100 kilograms of bread were used, 70 kilos of milanesas, added to more than 12 kilos of tomato and lettuce. For the classic dressing, another 15 kilos of mayonnaise and 13 of mustard were added. In this way, the previous record for Milanese sandwich of 14 kilos of meat was broken.

The skills of the Milanese

Like any party there were competitions to test different skills. There the participants were able to participate in three contests where they showed their skills.

Two of them were with a call addressed to the general public, for those adventurous milanga fans who decided to demonstrate their skills. The first was to see who ate a 70 centimeter milanesa sandwich (loaded) in the shortest possible time.

The next category was to demonstrate the “Palate of steel”. There the competitors were subjected to tasting portions of sandwiches with different degrees of spiciness, from the mildest to others that set the contestants on fire.

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The third of the competitions was to demonstrate who is the fastest sanguchero. With qualifying phases, the participants had to assemble the greatest number of sandwiches in the least amount of time possible. Here the round was by teams (or sangucherías), which had a controversial moment at night with VAR included, to define winners.

A Copa Libertadores final in the heart of Tucumán, with songs, bars, celebrations and tension after the jury’s decision, which decided that the winner of the sanguchería “El Turco” put together three sandwiches in just 39 seconds.

As an addition, the rain that complicated some moments. However, it could not go against the customs and feelings of the Tucumans, who demonstrated why a simple Milanese sandwich is much more than a delicious dish.