Traffic officers and police coordinate traffic on a rain-soaked street, with official vehicles, a taxi, and a bus present at an urban intersection in Córdoba. — The scene was surreal: total traffic chaos in broad daylight | La Derecha Diario

Camara — The scene was surreal: total traffic chaos in broad daylight | La Derecha Diario

Chaos due to outage in Córdoba capital: downtown collapsed because of an event at the Libertador

The Municipality shut down the downtown area for the awards ceremony and caused unprecedented traffic chaos

23/07/2025 17:50:00h

Editorial Team

Since 4:30 a.m., the center of Córdoba's capital was completely blocked. The Municipality carried out a total closure for the Sur Awards ceremony. This event is not held until 9:00 p.m. at the Teatro del Libertador; however, they decided to cut off traffic almost 17 hours in advance.

The closure affected General Paz Avenue, between Colón and San Juan Boulevard, right during rush hour. Buses, taxis, and remises had to divert to alternative streets. The majority of Córdoba's residents were trapped in a hellish traffic jam.

Meanwhile, shopkeepers, employees, and parents did not know how to reach their destinations. Complaints multiplied on social media and in the press. The city became hostage to a decision lacking common sense.

Residents held captive by apathetic bureaucracy

The Municipality announced the closure as part of a "special reorganization operation." It did so as if it were something normal. No one explained why a total closure was necessary 17 hours before the event.

Caseros, Deán Funes, Duarte Quirós, and Vélez Sársfield streets were also closed. Only 27 de Abril remained open for cross traffic. Córdoba's downtown turned into a dead-end maze.

Even bus drivers protested the lack of planning. "You don't know where to go," said users trapped at overcrowded stops. Not even an updated municipal app prevented misinformation.

Municipal transit van parked on an urban street at night with city lights and several vehicles in the background

The majority of Cordobese were caught in a hellish traffic jam | La Derecha Diario

Awards for a few, problems for everyone

Meanwhile, as organizers prepared the red carpet, thousands of Córdoba's residents lost work hours. Waiters did not receive tips, shopkeepers did not get their stock, and parents did not arrive at school on time. What about the municipality? Improvising, as always.

The scene was surreal: total traffic chaos in broad daylight, for a ceremonial event lasting only a few hours. The disconnect between those who make decisions and those who suffer them was laid bare. The ordinary citizen was not taken into account.

This was a total affront to common sense. Córdoba needs order and responsibility toward taxpayers and workers, not whims of the elite.

Traffic control on an urban street with police officers, orange cones, official vehicles, a taxi, a bus, and buildings around.

The Cordoban center turned into a maze with no way out | La Derecha Diario

A half-hearted reversal, with a taste of improvisation

After the scandal, the municipality eased the operation. At 11:23 a.m., the partial reopening of General Paz was announced until 5:00 p.m. Only buses, taxis, remises, and garbage trucks are allowed to circulate.

The reversal doesn't solve the essential issue: the damage is already done. Córdoba experienced a chaotic day, the result of illogical decisions. Worst of all, there are no visible people held accountable.

Residents expect management, not obstacles. Governing is not about closing streets to applaud award ceremonies. It is about making daily life easier for those who keep the city running.

➡️ Argentina