The town of Santa Lucía de los Astos is the head of the department of Lavalle, and is located on the western bank of the Santa Lucía River, between it and the nearby Paraná River, 194 kilometers south of the city of Corrientes. It was founded in 1615 by order of Don Hernando Arias de Saavedra, known as Hernandarias, originally at the mouth of the Mepemé River, today the Santa Lucía River.
Last Sunday the fourth and last night of the National Horticulture Festival took place, which saw artists such as Los De Imaguaré, Lázaro Caballero, Los Rancheros, Ahyre, Banda XXI and Valentino Merlo, among others, take the main stage. . The public and the organization of the event classified this edition as one of the best in history, attracting thousands of people from all over the province and neighboring countries.
The public and the organization of the event classified this edition as one of the best in history, attracting thousands of people from the entire province and neighboring provinces. “This is a festival that has no roof and every year we work to make it grow and live up to one of the best national festivals, so starting tomorrow we will start working for the 29th edition,” said Municipal Mayor Norberto Villordo.
The idea of holding the celebration arose more than twenty years ago at the initiative of a group of people who, in a selfless manner, proposed to organize a tribute to the workers dedicated to horticultural production, one of the main and most representative of the area of Santa Lucia.
This event aims to honor horticultural production and workers in the Santa Lucía area, a town located south of the capital of Corrientes. Since 1994, the town has displayed its splendor to give life to the Festival, an event that highlights the work of men and women gardeners who, with care, dedicate their days to the cultivation of tomatoes, bell peppers, peppers, beans and other varieties of vegetables, positioning the region as one of the main producers in the province of Corrientes.
“It is the economic activity from which we all live, directly and indirectly,” said Villordo. “We are pushing for our regional economy to generate public policies from the Provincial and National Government,” added the Peronist communal leader. Santa Lucía has more than 1,500 hectares of vegetable greenhouses and, with 25,000 inhabitants, it is the city with the largest plantation area in all of South America.
In order to preserve the tradition over time, an organizing commission was formed, whose most notable leader was Emilio “Pupin” Baddur – now deceased – who served as president for several years. His participation and drive were so significant for the growth and development of the event, that the community decided to name the main stage where the festival activities take place in his honor.
The National Horticulture Festival has proven to be much more than a traditional festival; It is a reflection of the soul and identity of a community. This event, which attracts tens of thousands of people, not only celebrates the richness of the region’s horticultural production, but also symbolizes the unity and shared effort of its inhabitants. This year, more than 60 thousand people gathered to vibrate and enjoy a celebration that highlights not only the cultural and gastronomic diversity, but also the local economy supported by agriculture.
The exponential growth in participation over the years is a testament to the increasing interest and investment in horticulture as a vital economic activity for Saint Lucia. As an event that welcomes visitors from various parts of the country, the festival serves as a platform to showcase the best of local production, from fresh vegetables and artisan products to typical dishes that symbolize the rich cultural heritage of the region. This not only benefits agricultural producers, but also helps boost tourism, an essential tool for local economic development.
Packaging contest
Implemented a few years ago, the packaging contest has become a classic, and more and more professionals in this field want to participate. Packaging is the process of preparing and wrapping products or goods for transportation, storage and protection. This procedure is essential in various industries, as it ensures that items reach their destination in optimal conditions, reducing the risk of damage during handling and transportation. Importance of Packaging: Packaging not only serves a functional purpose but also plays a crucial role in marketing and presentation of the product.
Pay tribute
Mayor Norberto Villordo, a tireless defender of this tradition, has clearly articulated the value of this event and its relevance to the community. His statement that “the National Horticulture Festival is a reflection of the effort and dedication of our people” resonates in every corner of Saint Lucia. Villordo understands that the festival is not only a cause for celebration, but an opportunity to pay tribute to those who work hard in the fields, growing and harvesting products that feed thousands.
In addition to the economic and cultural aspects, the festival represents a moment of social cohesion, where families, friends and neighbors come together to enjoy a festive and family atmosphere. It is a space where differences fade and the community unites around its shared traditions and achievements. The palpable energy in every corner of the event, from the concerts to the exhibitions, is proof that horticultural culture is not only a material but also an emotional livelihood for the inhabitants.
The National Horticulture Festival is much more than an event; It is a symbol of resilience, togetherness and community pride. It reflects the rich agricultural tradition of Saint Lucia and the commitment of its inhabitants to keeping their customs and local economy alive.
“By celebrating this holiday, we not only honor our roots, but also chart a path toward a more sustainable and prosperous future. The history of Santa Lucía and its horticulture continues to be written, and the festival is its most vibrant narrative,” highlights Villordo. “May each edition of this festival inspire future generations to continue cultivating not only the land, but also the community spirit that makes Saint Lucia a unique place,” he concludes.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
