Salta and Jujuy: Carnivals and a Unique Experience on February 14th!!

Experience the magic of the Devil's Unburial and immerse yourself in a party of colors and songs. You'll be the star of ancestral rituals while celebrating the carnival in the most spectacular landscapes!
The Carnival of Jujuy, and specifically the rite of the Devil's Unburial, is one of the most profound and vibrant cultural manifestations in Argentina. On February 14, 2026, the Quebrada de Humahuaca will become the epicenter of a celebration that fuses the ancestral roots of the native peoples with the Hispanic tradition, creating a mystical and festive atmosphere that has no comparison in the world.

The Heart of the Rite: The Pujllay
The celebration kicks off with the Carnival's Desentierro. The absolute protagonist is the Pujllay, a small doll that represents the "Devil" of the carnival. But don't get confused: this isn't the devil of the Judeo-Christian concept associated with evil. Pujllay is a spirit of joy, transgression, and fertility. According to popular belief, this spirit lives buried all year round under a "mojón" (a sacred mound of stones).

On Saturday, February 14, 2026, the different troupes will head to their respective mojones, usually located on the hillsides of towns like Tilcara, Purmamarca, or Humahuaca. The process is both solemn and festive: a challa is held, an offering ceremony to the Pachamama (Mother Earth), where food, coca leaves, cigarettes, and drinks (chicha, wine, alcohol) are buried to thank for the fruits received and ask permission to start the party.

The Party's Burst
When the doll is finally unearthed, the noise bombs go off and the music of the anateros, sikuris, and erkencheros starts. At that moment, the "Devil" breaks free and takes possession of the people. It's the moment when social conventions relax. Participants dress up in colorful costumes, full of mirrors, sequins, and bells that symbolize the light and sound of the carnival, covering their faces with masks to maintain anonymity and allow joy to be the only protagonist.

The Stage: The Quebrada de Humahuaca
On February 14, 2026, the landscape of multicolored hills will be the backdrop for a human tide moving through the dirt streets. The air is filled with flour, talc, and foam, which are thrown between acquaintances and strangers as a symbol of equality and purification. Basil sprigs behind the ear are a must: their pungent aroma is the very essence of the Jujuy carnival, and they're also believed to protect against the party's excesses.

The Sensory Experience
Taking part in the 'desentierro' is an experience that involves all the senses:

The View: The contrast between the red of the costumes, the white of the talc, and the seven colors of the hills.

The constant sound of drums and the singing of verses that tell stories of love, mischief, and everyday life.

Regional flavors like Jujuy empanadas, tamales, humitas, and the unmissable glass of "vacunación" (a strong drink to warm up).

Per garantire la disponibilità, prenota il prima possibile. La prenotazione anticipata è consigliata soprattutto se stai pianificando il viaggio durante l'alta stagione come le festività pubbliche o i fine settimana.

Questa escursione può essere annullata senza costi fino a 24 ore prima dell'inizio del viaggio. Se la annulli dopo 24 ore o non ti presenti all'escursione, ti verrà comunque addebitato il prezzo intero dell'attività. Essere in ritardo al ritiro o alla partenza sarà considerato come non presentarsi.