Know the Wine Festivities of Jumilla
The Wine Festivities of Jumilla, also known as the Harvest Feast of Jumilla, is a festive event of national and international popularity. This celebration is one of the most important events held each year in the region of Murcia.
Wine is the principal protagonist of this feast. During the days of the event, multiple activities are organised that expose and share with those present all the details of the fascinating wine culture.
Origin of the Wine Festivities of Jumilla
The origin of this feast is not so ancient, even though wine is one of the principal economic activities of the region for centuries. It was only in 1972 that this festival was born, thanks to the initiative taken by a group of winegrowers belonging to the locality. In the first years in which this event was celebrated, participation was limited to the houses of the towns belonging to the Denominación de Origen of Jumilla.
However, already for several years the participation of different associations of farmers and other groups was included. This helped the later formation of peñas that gather in the “Federación de Peñas de la Fiesta de la Vendimia”.
Ceremony of inauguration
As is customary, the fairs are inaugurated with the treading of the first grapes in the Plaza Mayor of the region. This represents the beginning of a whole week of events and feasts corresponding to the principal industrial activity carried out in Jumilla. Among the most symbolic events stand out the wine parade, processions of Moors and Christians, the offering of the first must and of course the popular contest of wine tasters.
Great Wine Parade
One of the most exotic and peculiar celebrations is the Great Wine Parade, for while it is carried out, more than 50,000 litres of wine are poured and thrown in the midst of all the participants. In such a way that they soak themselves with this drink and stain themselves with the wine. Another thing that is done at this event is the distribution and exchange of products and sweets typical of the region.
50th Anniversary
This year will be very special in this celebration, for its fiftieth anniversary (50) will be fulfilled, so there will be a diversity of activities, which will be distributed for participants of different ages in which the cultivation of the vine, the harvest, the treading, the making and finally the tasting of the drink will be taught. Apart from the awaited anniversary of these feasts, many people from other countries are eager to take part. For, owing to the pandemic caused by COVID-19, this event was not held.
Benefits of wine
Apart from the popularity of wine, this drink has shown that its consumption in controlled doses is beneficial for health. For it prevents the arterial damage caused by high cholesterol and reduces the formation of blood clots. So going to these feasts and tasting the finest wines of Spain will not only give you pleasure but will be beneficial to you, one more reason to go to this event in the Region of Murcia.
