La Rural, the annual Argentine Rural Society Fair in Buenos Aires

Plesantly tepid water poured down Señor Sol's regal head, washing away a rich lather of shampoo. An outsized blower dried his auburn hair into crisp curls. His pedicure created a sheen. There was a hint of a smile on his sensuous pink lips. Ah, the life of a young Hereford stud ... especially on championship eve at La Rural, the annual Argentine Rural Society Fair in Buenos Aires.

Jorge Luis Ayala waits his turn to wash his bull. More Photos »
Señor Sol is one of 4,000 gorgeous breeders — cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses and poultry — that are on display for the two winter weeks straddling July and August at the 50-square-block fair grounds in Palermo, the city's wealthiest neighborhood. La Rural is also an opportunity for upper-crust ranchers and farmers — called estancieros — to gather at what has been the country's great annual social event ever since it started 120 years ago.

There are livestock fairs all over the world from Fort Worth to Paris, but nothing quite compares to the pageantry, historical magnitude and pure fun of La Rural, which attracts more than a million spectators — Argentines and foreigners — many of whom crowd the viewing stands to watch the judging of the champions.


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