Grape Harvest Festival

In Andalusia there is a very special popular festival related to the world of wine and flamenco. It is the Fiesta de la Vendimia in Jerez de la Frontera.

What is the Fiesta de la Vendimia in Jerez de la Frontera about?

The Fiesta de la Vendimia, also known as Fiestas de Otoño, is a festival held in Jerez de la Frontera (Andalusia, Spain) during the first two weeks of September. Activities related to wine, flamenco, the equestrian world and other socio-cultural elements take place.

How are the Autumn Festivities celebrated in Jerez?

This unique festivity stands out for the celebration of various traditional activities with a popular impact. The city of Jerez is decked out with stalls decorated with banners and lanterns around the monument of El Alcázar de Jerez, in the Alameda Vieja. These are the activities that take place around this festival:

• The Pisa de la Uva takes place on the steps of the Cathedral. It begins with the arrival of the baskets of grapes, brought by the grape harvesters. The grapes are blessed by the priest of the Cathedral before being trodden.
• At the Grape Harvest Gastronomic Fair, typical dishes that form part of the gastronomic tradition of Jerez are tasted. More than twenty of the city's catering establishments take part.
• The Fiesta de la Bulería is a flamenco festival of song and dance, held as part of the Fiestas de la Vendimia. It pays homage to the bulería, the typical flamenco palo (form) of Jerez.
• The International Puppet Festival, under the direction of the company "La Gotera de la Azotea".
• The Medieval Market.
• Wine tastings and wine pairings, with samples of the best wines of Jerez de la Frontera.
• From glass to glass" competition.
• Visits: open days and evening visits to wine cellars.
• Equestrian galas.
• Exhibitions.
• Exhibition of tapas in the bars in the centre of Jerez.
• Music festivals.
• Literary presentations.
• Live performances, with the presentation of musical groups.

Origins of the Grape Harvest Festival

The Fiesta de la Vendimia is considered one of the oldest fairs in Spain, dating back to the 16th century.

Curiosities of the Grape Harvest Festival

Find out some curious and interesting facts about the Fiesta de la Vendimia in Jerez de la Frontera:

• It was formerly known as the Feria de la Vendimia (Harvest Fair).
• Jerez has been considered the cultural capital of wine since time immemorial.
• It has been declared a Festival of Tourist Interest in Andalusia in 2015.

What else can you see or do in the town if you go to Jerez?

This city has historical buildings, museums and other emblematic places of interest that are worth visiting:

• Alcázar de Jerez: it is one of the most emblematic monuments of Jerez, built in the 12th century. It is a group of buildings surrounded by walls, which was formerly the seat of political and military power in the city.
• Plaza de Toros de Jerez: an eclectic style building built in 1839. It is considered one of the oldest bullrings in Andalusia.
• Walls of Jerez: these are fortifications that formed part of the city's defence. It was declared a Historic and Artistic Monument in 1931.
• Mercado Central de Abastos: a neoclassical style building that was built in 1885. It has 115 food stalls.
• El Gallo Azul: it is considered one of the iconic architectural buildings of Jerez. It was inaugurated in 1928.
• Cabildo Viejo: civil building of Renaissance architecture built in 1575, during the reign of Felipe II. It is also known as Antigua Casa del Cabildo and Antiguo Ayuntamiento.
• Zoobotánico de Jerez: it is one of the oldest parks in Spain. It has a permanent exhibition of more than 1200 animals, belonging to some 200 species from the five continents.

Gastronomy

The gastronomy of the city of Jerez is characterised by the use of its autochthonous products, as well as the flavours of its wine. Among the main typical dishes are the following:

• Berza jerezana: also known as Berza Gitana. It is a vegetable, chickpea and bean stew.
• Rabo de toro: oxtail stew with vegetables.
• Ajo de Viñao Ajo Caliente: dish made with vine tomatoes.
• Aneto: prepared with two chicken fillets stuffed with cheese and Serrano ham.