A View towards Vendimia
Though Mendoza is still months away from the main event, preparations have long since been underway for the country’s most celebrated harvest festival. Vendimia celebrates the grape harvest, the rich history of Mendoza’s vineyards and the future success of Argentinean wines.
Since 1936, this national festival has filled the quiet Andean city with tourists and wine lovers from all around the world. The festivities begin months in advance, taking place across the 18 districts that make up Mendoza province. Over these weeks and months, the frenzy builds and culminates in early March and ends with a finale of shows, parties, parades and fun!
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in March:
Sunday, February 24: Blessing of the Fruit Bendición de los Frutos
A ceremony organized with the Archdiocese of Mendoza to thank god for the fruits of the harvest, and to recognize both the hand of god and the hand of man in bringing forth Mendoza’s riches from the earth.
Friday, March 1: Vía Blanca
Friday night, the main streets of Mendoza City fill with floats carrying the beautiful queens that represent each district. The 18 floats carry their beauty queens along the parade route. As the parade weaves through the city, the queens throw fresh fruit into the crowd: melons, grapes, peaches and pears soar through the air into the outstretched hands of the crowd.
Saturday, March 2:
Carrusel de las Reinas: Saturday morning, before the main event, the Queens of each region once again get together before nearly 250,000 spectators and parade through the streets of Mendoza city. The parade showcases Mendoza’s historical ties to the vineyard and celebrates the future of the wine industry in Argentina. Unlike the Vía Blanca, this parade incorporates a wider spectrum of Argentina’s traditions: the gaucho, folklore dancers etc.
Vendimia Show Acto Central: In the Frank Romero Day Amphitheater, the main event takes place up in the Andes hillsides. The first half of the show celebrates Mendocinan customs and the second half showcases the election of the Vendimia Queen. It ends with a spectacular show of fireworks and a live music concert. The amphitheater seats nearly 25,000 spectators and another 20,000 scale the hillsides and watch the show with a bird’s eye view.
Photo courtesy of diariouno.com
Sunday, March 3: Second Night of the Main Event
Repetition of the Vendimia Show – without the coronation
Monday, March 4: Third Night of the Main Event
Repetition of the Vendimia Show – without the coronation
Interested in learning more about Vendimia or experiencing the fun for yourself?
Let us know and we´ll plan customized tastings, tours, and treats along the way! Get started here!