The winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere not only marks the longest night of the year, but also the beginning of one of Argentina's most iconic celebrations: the National Festival of the Longest Night in Ushuaia.
In 2025, the event—organized by the Municipality—brought together more than 20,000 people over seven days of cultural, sports, and gastronomic activities, consolidating its position as a destination for national and international tourists and kicking off a winter season that's already showing promising numbers: Flight reservations to Tierra del Fuego have reached 90%.
A festival that transcends borders
With artists like Abel Pintos and Dillom, and more than 500 local talents on stage, the festival reinforced its southern identity while attracting visitors.
"It's a celebration that has grown tremendously and now has national significance," said Belén Molina, Secretary of Culture of Ushuaia, who praised the efforts of 300 municipal workers and the interdisciplinary collaboration between the areas of tourism, environment, and sports.
Among the most impressive activities was "Kaitek: The Shining of the Moon," a show featuring 30 artists that fused choreography, original costumes, and Fuegian narratives. "We seek to reclaim our identity in a context where local culture is sometimes undervalued," Molina explained.
Sports, adventure and gastronomy
The cold weather was no obstacle for the 20 swimmers who plunged into the icy waters of the Beagle Channel at midnight, nor for the 500 runners who participated in nighttime 3- and 10-kilometer races. Meanwhile, San Martín Street was transformed into a gastronomic promenade with 800 people enjoying tastings and entrepreneurial fairs.
"Tourism is our economic engine," said Viviana Manfredotti, Secretary of Tourism, highlighting the public-private partnership that enabled deals at 60 local businesses.
Winter as a global attraction
The festival not only ignites the spirit of Ushuaia, but also boosts its economy. According to data from the Argentine Confederation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (CAME), the city recorded hotel occupancy of 30% during the June long weekend, with an average spending of $320,000 per person.
Although the number is moderate, the trend is offset by a boom in air bookings (90%) for the rest of the season, fueled by events such as the opening of the largest ice skating rink in South America and the End of the World Choir Festival.
Featured artists
Abel Pintos, who closed the inaugural Folklore Night program before a packed "Cochocho" Vargas, captured the sentiment of many visitors: "Returning to Ushuaia, so far away in distance and time, is always exciting," he said.
On the final date, the icing on the cake was provided by Dillom, one of the most groundbreaking artists in Argentine trap, who ignited the crowd with a show full of energy and powerful beats.
In front of a plaza packed with young people—and not so young—the rapper mixed his viral songs with improvisations that connected with the rebellious spirit of the Tierra del Fuego nightlife.
"It's incredible to play at the end of the world and feel this unique energy," he said between songs, while the audience sang along to his lyrics under a starry sky.
Tourism and its impact
A notable detail was that the National Holiday closing show coincided with the peak weekend hotel occupancy rate, confirming that entertainment is key to boosting tourist arrivals.
The Ministry of Tourism reported that large-scale events like this one—along with the Abel Pintos concert and sporting activities—contributed to an average hotel occupancy rate of 40% during the festival, the movement of more than 20,000 people in various activities, and the arrival of national and international tourists, particularly during the long weekend of June 14-16.
Activities for all tastes
Beyond the grand shows that drew crowds, the National Festival of the Longest Night unfolded a network of activities that wove together the identity of Tierra del Fuego in every neighborhood.
On the cultural front, the tribute to poet Pablo Rodríguez —a key figure in the event's history—thrilled the audience when his daughter , Sonia Rodríguez, took the stage at the "Cochocho" Vargas. There, local artists such as Ramón Portillo , Los Amigos RG from Río Grande, and Perseguilo Vos from Tolhuin showcased the province's musical richness, while at Club 1210, Serenos de tu Tierra headlined a vibrant National Rock Night.
Sports and recreation rounded out the offerings: from the Embroidery Workshop at the Patagonia Refuge to the Fuegian Sports Games , which brought together local athletes.
The inauguration of the "Tachuela Oyarzún" skating rink (the largest in South America) and the traditional fair with the Municipal Band at the Gastronomic Walk on San Martín Street—which also included tastings and an entrepreneurial fair—demonstrated how the festival integrates modernity and tradition.
Meanwhile, activities such as the End of the World Choir Festival and the "Biblioteca del Bosque Bordada" exhibition (featuring textile works that reinterpret local flora) confirmed that in Ushuaia, winter is lived with art, even in the most intimate details.
The magic of the End of the World
On a planet where tourism seeks authentic experiences, Ushuaia offers something unique: celebrating winter at the end of the world, with the Northern Lights, vibrant culture, and a community that embraces its geography.
With snow covering its mountains and the Beagle Channel as a witness, the southern city prepares to welcome the world for a new winter season and memories of life.
