Fiesta de la Vendimia - Grape Harvest Celebrations Begin in Spain

It's almost September and the grape harvest, called la vendimia is getting under way all around Spain. One vendimia festival worth noting takes place in the town of Requena, Valencia which is celebrating its 61st Grape Harvest Festival. It is one of the oldest harvest celebrations and has been named by the government to be of national tourist interest. This year's celebration runs from August 20-31 and includes many events including: concerts, theater performances and sports competitions, as well as the ceremonial "Crushing of the Grapes."

On August 27th there will be a Grape Harvest Procession, which will end outside the Universal Monument to the Grape Harvest. Then, the Crushing of the Grapes and the Blessing of the First Must takes place. Finally, the Wine Fountain will be open for public tasting and will remain open for the rest of the festival. It sounds like they really know how to celebrate the harvest in Requena!

If all that isn't enough celebrating for you, the Requena Wine Fair takes place from August 28-31 and includes tasting of the region's Denomination of Origin wines.

• 61 Feria y Fiesta de la Vendimia - Grape Harvest Festival information includes a program of all events and activities.
• Museo del Vino de Requena, Valencia - Wine Museum of Requena
• Spanish Regional Cuisine of Valencia - Land of Paella, Turron and Many Culinary Delights

_{Photo © 2008 Lisa Sierra, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

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