We visited the 136th annual Expo Rural in Buenos Aires. 11 days packed with asado, horses, cows, sheep, and everything related to agriculture. We went from Friday to Sunday and were blown away by the number of horse shows, demonstrations, and competitions. Since we’re used to horse shows and expos focusing mainly on dressage and show jumping, this was like a dream come true for us. Tack stores from all over Argentina showcased their regional crafts, and the arena featured competitions between gauchos and working horses. Plus, if you got hungry, there was an asado around every corner!
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Dating back to 1875, when it first graced Buenos Aires, and finding its permanent home in Palermo in 1878, the Exposición Rural in Buenos Aires stands as a cornerstone event that celebrates Argentina's agricultural prowess and rural traditions. This exposition has grown into one of the largest and most significant agricultural fairs in Latin America, attracting visitors, exhibitors, and enthusiasts from across the globe, while serving as a testament to Argentina's agricultural heritage and its ongoing relevance in modern times.
Beyond its agricultural roots, the Rural Expo is a celebration of Argentine identity and the vital role that rural life plays in the nation's economy and culture. It's not merely about showcasing livestock and agricultural products; it's about honouring the producers, the people whose daily lives and hard work sustain the essence of the countryside. One cannot overlook the societal impact of the Expo. It serves as a bridge between urban Buenos Aires and its rural hinterlands, reaffirming a historical connection that dates back over a century. This event, held nearly uninterruptedly since its inception, has become more than just a trade fair—it's a cultural phenomenon that brings together communities, celebrates traditions, and fosters economic opportunities.
At the Expo, you can check out a bunch of cool stuff! There are livestock competitions with some of the best cattle, horses, and sheep around. It’s not just about showing off; it’s a nod to the hard work and care of Argentina’s farmers. You’ll also see the latest in farming tech with some pretty amazing machinery on display.
The Expo is a great way to dive into Argentina's farming scene, taste some regional foods, watch traditional dances, and get a feel for country life. Plus, there’s plenty of folk music, local cuisine, and handmade crafts that showcase the vibrant culture of rural Argentina. It’s a fun way to experience the traditions and customs that make the country unique.
In essence, the Exposición Rural in Palermo is more than just an agricultural fair—it's a testament to Argentina's agricultural heritage, a celebration of rural life, and a vibrant showcase of innovation and tradition. Whether you're a farming enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply curious about Argentine identity, the expo offers something for everyone. As Argentina continues to evolve, the Exposición Rural stands as a beacon, honoring the past while paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future in agriculture.
We asked three very different personalities what they thought of the Expo and why they chose to participate.
Gaucho Manuel Allignani said:
“For us traditionalists, Palermo is the most important event we have as it lets us celebrate the gaucho, who played a crucial role in our independence. This is done through various representations in the competition ‘Nacional de Aperos de uso Traditional’, as well as through the display of working horses that are closely related to the tasks performed by country people in the fields.
As for the exhibition in the city of Buenos Aires, it's something beautiful that people from the city can see and understand the full meaning of the Argentine countryside. We notice that visitors leave proud of everything they see and know that it belongs to us.”
For the Agricultural influencer Bryan Petaccio it was similar point of views:
“I was the first agricultural influencer in Argentina, and it's great to see many more now, each offering their own perspective. This is our second year working with the Sociedad Rural Argentina, showcasing the Argentine countryside from our viewpoint. It’s a dream for me to create content daily and educate people about our work.
The Expo Rural Argentina is the most beautiful event here because it highlights everything from employers to breeders, blending city and country cultures. Held in the city, it attracts many urban visitors who wouldn’t otherwise see rural life, making it a wonderful experience.
As I always say, the countryside drives Argentina, and this event allows us farmers to share our culture and traditions. This year was the best yet, with noticeable government support and a high turnout of animals and breeds. We saw more city visitors and fewer from the countryside, which is exciting.
The expo draws major Argentine channels and international visitors from Brazil, the U.S., Uruguay, Paraguay, and Spain. We're proud to showcase our land and agricultural technology, as many people don’t realise Argentina is a leader in agricultural innovation. We have much to be proud of.”
Outside of Latin America, most horse enthusiasts have heard of Horsemanship and even use it in their training. When we saw that Horsemanship was on the Expo program, we knew we had to check it out! The reactions from the crowd while Aliana was performing with her herd really showed how rare it is practiced here.
We asked Ailin Wegrzyn why she had come to the Expo and what she wish to gain from it:
“ It’s wonderful to showcase this at the Expo and elsewhere, as it’s uncommon in Argentina, especially with multiple horses. Known as free-ranging, it involves horses being completely loose, following you, and using a whip just as an extension of your arm—not to hit. This method emphasises love, patience, and respect, proving that horses can be trained without violence.
Some people mistakenly believe that taming horses requires brutality, but they are intelligent, sensitive, and noble animals. I work with them briefly each day to keep them engaged, ending sessions when they show progress. The best reward is letting them roam freely. When I’m in the field, they follow me as their positive leader. The truth is that without them I would be nothing. I love them with all my soul.
Sometimes people are not used to them, sometimes they have them more as tools for work or for sport or for certain tasks. And when they see this they can't believe it, they can't believe that a horse can do so many things. And I love to show them some of them, for some people it is a circus. I love to show them that they can pick up my hat from the ground, that the dog jumps over them and they show the trust they have in me and the dog that is jumping over it. I really love the inter-interaction between species. I also have a calf, an eight-month-old calf that I raised from a very young age because her mother died. I am teaching her a lot of things. And I love the fact that they interact between species.
Another very important thing to emphasise, these horses aren’t just for show—they’re versatile, able to handle all kinds of tasks from riding to roping. I treat them with love and use them for any rural job, proving their remarkable learning capabilities. I like the horse to be used for absolutely everything. Obviously, always treated with love and affection, because, as I said, they are part of my family.
I’m not against using saddles, bridles, or bits; because with my horses I use all that, but my hand is super soft. However, I prefer showing them loose in the arena, keeping things simple for field work. They are accustomed to being saddled but also enjoy going bareback. Let's say, if you saddle them, nothing happens, they are very used to it.”
