Travel to Logroño to experience its wine harvest festival

The festivities are officially started by the mayor and the Vendimiadores Mayores (two young harvesters; a girl and a boy who represent their city and its people and attend most of the events) from the balcony of the City Hall. This is followed by the chupinazo (the firing of a rocket) marking the start of the celebrations. The different areas of the city come alive with music and food tastings, parades, a bull fair, concerts, dancing and all types of contests. And what can you do after the sun goes down? If you still have the energy, the streets are filled with partying and fun at night (some of the most popular streets are Calle San Agustín, Calle Laurel Calle San Juan).

At the weekend there is usually a parade, one of the festival’s biggest attractions. The streets of Logroño are ablaze with colourful artisan floats decorated with typical elements of the winemaking tradition. Other towns of La Rioja can also create their own floats and be in with a chance of being selected as one of three prizewinners. Other contests are also held during the week to highlight customs, such as the zurracapote contest. Zurracapote is a typical drink, similar to sangria. If you’d like to try some you can visit the chamizos (places where the festival’s associations, or groups, invite visitors to taste some zurracapote).The burning or burying of the vat is the final event of the festival. On the last day the vat is transported to the Town Hall square in a parade with the festival participants. After speeches by the vendimiadores and the mayor, the match is lit that will set fire to the vat. Some of the spectators usually accompany this final act by singing the Logroño regional anthem.