When and where Mercedes will hold its contest for the best salame at the National Quintero Salame Festival

Mercedes is preparing three days devoted to its signature salame. The 51st National Quintero Salame Festival will run from Friday, September 11, through Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Parque Municipal Independencia.

The event will bring together producers, food vendors, artisans and activities for children. Antonio Ríos, Los Palmeras and Los Fronterizos are scheduled to headline the live entertainment. Friday's program will have free admission, while tickets for Saturday and Sunday will be available in advance and at the entrance.

The central contest will take place on Sunday at 5 p.m., when producers compete for the official Quintero Salame award. The competition has formed part of the celebration since its first edition and focuses on the product that became one of Mercedes' gastronomic symbols. After the awards, the winning salames are displayed and auctioned.

The tradition is linked to Italian immigrants who settled in Mercedes from the mid-19th century, particularly on farms around the city. According to the municipality, the salame is traditionally made with 80% pork and 20% beef, hand-cut bacon, whole peppercorns and other ingredients that vary by producer.

The idea for a festival emerged in 1969 during a meeting at the Berterreix grocery store. The first edition took place in 1975. At the 50th festival in 2025, more than 26,000 visitors attended and 319 exhibitors took part, including salame makers, food businesses, artisans and merchants.