Walking through the center on Friday afternoon, I could feel the excitement in the air as people in downtown Mendoza  prepared themselves for the biggest weekend of the year.  Law enforcement officials lined the streets Mendoza, anticipating the masses of people who would attend this year’s famous “Via Blanca” and “Carrusel” parades.  This year the Vendimia celebration will also honor the 200^th anniversary of the First National Government of Argentina, so the stakes were even higher.

These two parades are great traditions of the Vendimia Festival, dating back to the 1940s.   Each of the 18 regions of Mendoza Province is represented by an intricately decorated float and their regional Queen who stands on top  waving to the crowds.  People from near and far come to the city center to support their regional Queen, holding signs or pictures of their favorite candidate.  The parade is especially important to the Queens because it is the last night before the newest National Vendimia Queen is elected and the exclusive Gala which occurs at the Park Hyatt directly after the Parade.

At 10:00 pm on Friday night, I headed out to brave the crowds (over 150,000 people!) and to have my first Via Blanca experience.  I found a perfect spot directly in front of the Park Hyatt and waited patiently for the Parade to start.  More and more people began to gather in the streets before the show, until my front row seat turned into a mob of overly excited onlookers.  Never the less, I held my ground and was ready to see what the excitement was about (or so I thought).  The first float arrived and I was dazzled by the beautiful lights decorating the float, the dancers and their incredible costumes, the interactive wine-making props, and beautiful Queens who sat on a literal throne at the top of the float.

Some how, I failed to notice that the people on the floats were actually throwing fruit and other goodies down to the people on the street.  I stood with my camera extended over my head trying to snap the best shots of the floats and the overwhelming crowd. Without warning, I was smashed in the face, knocked off my feet, and tumbled to the ground.  I look around helplessly wondering what had just happened, but more worried about my camera which flew into the massive crowd.  Two women in their seventies hovered over me, frantically helped me up and made sure I was ok.  It was then that I realized that I had been mauled by a melon!!! Yes, one of the Queens (you know who you are!) was chucking melons to the crowd.  Her region is known for growing the tastiest honeydew melons…so it was obvious to those who knew about this fruit throwing tradition that she would be tossing melons.   I laughed it off and kept my composure until I was surprised again by another hit, this time it was an alfajor cookie.  The next float slowly approached and I saw the ladies throwing apples and pears.  At this point, I was ducking behind my 70-year old Argentine protectors.    I finally gave up my close spot and watched the parade far away from throwing distance.

Before the parade ended, I made my way through Plaza Independecia to find a concert by a Tango Rock band, performing to another crowd of thousands of people.  The stage was set up directly behind the enormous fountain, which was synchronized to the show with lights and different movements.  This was by far the most impressive part of the night to see the people of Mendoza enjoying their beautiful city, dancing the night away to the Tango music and celebrating the Vendimia with their loved ones.

Plaza Independecia, Vendimia 2010 from Alison Thomas on Vimeo.

Overall Friday night was a very spirited summer evening with lots to offer visitors or the people from Mendoza.  My advice for any foreigners interested in participating in the “interactive Parade” is to either wear a helmet, a baseball mitt, or to simply watch from a nearby balcony.   I was invited to go to the following morning’s parade, Carrusel, which usually has even more onlookers, and this time there are live animals.  I didn’t want to imagine the possibilities, so I decided to pass.  Via Blanca was a very unique parade experience (nothing like a Disneyland Parade of princesses which was more of what I had expected), and luckily my camera was returned, so I have proof of this unforgettable night!