Mendoza Wine Harvest Festival March 2009
Since I was just there in November, and still have wine on my mind, I thought I'd add some background on one of the best festivals in all of Argentina, the¨Wine Harvest Festival¨ in Mendoza, which this year, runs March 6 - 9. We have contracts with 4 and 5-star hotels, including boutique hotels, so just let me know if you'd like a nice excursions there; email me at dan@latitudeworldtours.com.
Since the nineteenth century the people of Mendoza have celebrated their wine harvest. In those days at the beginning of autumn the celebrations at each winery would take place between the rows of vines. The most beautiful grape picker would be chosen and the music and dancing would be in her honour.
The tradition grew until it reached the city, and, due to popular demand, a provincial decree was passed and so in 1936 the first Wine Harvest Festival of Mendoza was held, with a carousel and public show. Over the years ceremonies were added, such as the Blessing of the fruits, the Vía Blanca de las Reinas (parade of the queens) and the main show which began to take on great significance. Today it is the oldest and most traditional festival in the country, with over sixty year’s with of celebrations and queens.
Activities start in January, when the celebrations begin in each of the eighteen departments with the election of the candidate for the central throne. During the two weeks leading up to the final ceremony various artistic, cultural and sporting events take place.
The main celebrations begin with the blessing of the fruits; a liturgical ceremony presided over by the Virgen de la Carrodilla, the patron of the vineyards, which takes place in the Prado Gaucho of the Parque San Martin. Al the beginning of March, on the Friday evening before the main ceremony, the Vía Blanca de las Reinas is held. This is a parade of brightly coloured floats which pass through the main avenues in the centre of the city. Each float represents a different department of the province and carries each department’s elected queen, accompanied by her entourage.
The following morning the show is repeated, but there are also traditional groups of gauchos who show off their horse riding skills, leather and silver implements and traditional clothing. The communities who take part in the job of wine making also take part in the show such as Italians, Spanish, Bolivians, Chileans and other, with their traditional music and costumes. The show ends with the parade of the majorettes and vehicles which show the produce, business and services of the region. These two ceremonies annually involve around 300.000 people.
Finally on the nights of the first Saturday in March, the central show of the Wine Harvest Festival takes place in the Theatre Gringo “Frank Romero Day”, located the foot of the hill, in the open air. With this imposing back-drop, there is a son et luminuère show watched by 30.000 people from the stands and the hill around.
Over 1.000 artists from Mendoza take part in the show. The first part combines dance with light and sound and an amazing set. Then in the second part, the National Wine Harvest Queen is chosen and crowned, amidst feverish participation from the audience. Finally the show is brought to a spectacular close by the new Queen, and ends with a performance by internationally famous Argentinean musicians.
Since the nineteenth century the people of Mendoza have celebrated their wine harvest. In those days at the beginning of autumn the celebrations at each winery would take place between the rows of vines. The most beautiful grape picker would be chosen and the music and dancing would be in her honour.
The tradition grew until it reached the city, and, due to popular demand, a provincial decree was passed and so in 1936 the first Wine Harvest Festival of Mendoza was held, with a carousel and public show. Over the years ceremonies were added, such as the Blessing of the fruits, the Vía Blanca de las Reinas (parade of the queens) and the main show which began to take on great significance. Today it is the oldest and most traditional festival in the country, with over sixty year’s with of celebrations and queens.
Activities start in January, when the celebrations begin in each of the eighteen departments with the election of the candidate for the central throne. During the two weeks leading up to the final ceremony various artistic, cultural and sporting events take place.
The main celebrations begin with the blessing of the fruits; a liturgical ceremony presided over by the Virgen de la Carrodilla, the patron of the vineyards, which takes place in the Prado Gaucho of the Parque San Martin. Al the beginning of March, on the Friday evening before the main ceremony, the Vía Blanca de las Reinas is held. This is a parade of brightly coloured floats which pass through the main avenues in the centre of the city. Each float represents a different department of the province and carries each department’s elected queen, accompanied by her entourage.
The following morning the show is repeated, but there are also traditional groups of gauchos who show off their horse riding skills, leather and silver implements and traditional clothing. The communities who take part in the job of wine making also take part in the show such as Italians, Spanish, Bolivians, Chileans and other, with their traditional music and costumes. The show ends with the parade of the majorettes and vehicles which show the produce, business and services of the region. These two ceremonies annually involve around 300.000 people.
Finally on the nights of the first Saturday in March, the central show of the Wine Harvest Festival takes place in the Theatre Gringo “Frank Romero Day”, located the foot of the hill, in the open air. With this imposing back-drop, there is a son et luminuère show watched by 30.000 people from the stands and the hill around.
Over 1.000 artists from Mendoza take part in the show. The first part combines dance with light and sound and an amazing set. Then in the second part, the National Wine Harvest Queen is chosen and crowned, amidst feverish participation from the audience. Finally the show is brought to a spectacular close by the new Queen, and ends with a performance by internationally famous Argentinean musicians.
posted by Dan Crandall at
11:25 AM
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