The Battel of Vine
On June 29, a national tourist event in honor of "San Pedro" is held in Haro, (La Rioja), it concentrates a large number of people from different regions of Spain, as well as foreign visitors.
What is the origin of this tradition?
The Battle of Wine had its origin from a territorial confrontation between the inhabitants of Haro in La Rioja and those who occupied the Burgalesatown of "Miranda de Ebro" in Spain, who were fighting for a place called "Los Riscos de Bilibio".
Over the years, a hermitage was built in this place at the beginning of the 18th century, in honor of "San Felices de Bilbio", patron of this region and from that moment, the tradition of every June 29 is born, the inhabitants of la Rioja, they must go to "Los Riscos" to demonstrate their dominance over this place.
Once the mass was over, the locals were having a real feast, with a lot of food and plenty of wine and suddenly one of the participants had the idea of spilling wine directly from the boot on another diner, so that the others would imitate him, which transformed into the so-called christening of wine.
It was from the year 1949, that this popular festival had greater interest on the part of the population and it is from that moment, that it is given the traditional name of The Battle of Wine.
What is the Festival of the Battle of Wine?
This picturesque event is held in the town of Haro, "La Rioja". Everything begins from the morning, where the people, wearing white clothes, go to the cliffs with their respective wine in their hands to start the battle.
The contest starts and the entire crowd that attends the event begins to throw the wine everywhere, using bottles, boots, glasses, water pistols, etc.
Before starting the event, the city council member appears, mounted on a horse, and after placing the traditional banner, mass is celebrated. Once completed, the rocket is fired, which officially declares the start of the holiday.
During the course of the event, which starts at noon, all those who are totally wet and stained with wine retire to change their clothes and enjoy a succulent lunch.
It is calculated that thousands of liters of wine are used to carry out this pitched battle, but that people find it very entertaining. After eating, the pilgrimage to the town of Haro begins again, giving the entrance to the city.
All this occurs at the rhythm of the so-called "Charangas". Finally, the crowd arrives at the bullring, to enjoy the brave bull show.
Children's Wine Battle
Starting in 2004, children and young people are also given the opportunity to take part in this festival and have the opportunity to enjoy it as adults do.
With this inclusion of the little ones, the event becomes more interesting. Between the 26th and 27th, vouchers are delivered to the attendees, which can then be exchanged for a wine boot. During the celebration the children can taste some delicious biscuits accompanied with chocolate.
Festival of tourist interest from 2011
It was from April 22, 2011, when the Battle of Wine was officially declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest. Erroneously, it was believed that this holiday was already an event of national interest, however, it was not considered as such.
This was achieved, thanks to the participation of the Haro City Council, which in 2010 collected enough documentation for this festival to receive this prestigious national title.
