Argentina and Fiestas Patrias Festivities in Chile

Gaucho (cowboy) processional with the Virgin Mary

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Somehow, we are always lucky in our timing with vacations! This photo was taken as we were enjoying lunch at a cafe on the square. This was literally from the chair in which I ate lunch. It just so happened, that we were in Salta for one of the biggest holidays of the year. They do a bunch of crazy stuff! "Pilgrims" walk for days to Salta to bring in the Virgin Mary and Jesus to the cathedral. There was once a big earthquake and it is believed the statues had something to do with stopping the devastating aftershocks. So this is a very holy time of year for Argentinians...

Enjoying the double-decker bus tour

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Touristy and grandma-ish, but we loved it! And it was a great way to cover a lot of ground in a large city!

Savoring the food, wine, and cost!

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So cheap!!! And delicious!!!

Pilgrims...

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This shot was taken from our car. We hired a private guide (interesting old fellow!!!:) to drive us about 3 hours south to Cafayatte--the wine region. Along the way we saw hundreds and hundreds of people making the trek to Salta for the holiday. Some rode horses and others bikes--but most were walking (for days in some cases). The had loud speakers and were filled with song and celebration