66º GRAPE HARVEST FESTIVAL IN LA RIOJA, LOGROÑO

The Festivities of San Mateo and the Riojan Grape Harvest have their origins in the annual markets that were held in the Middle Ages, known as ferias francas (free fairs). According to historians, they date back to the privilege granted to Logroño by Alfonso VI in 1095 to hold a weekly free fair.

Of the two large annual markets, the most important took place on Thanksgiving Day in September, when the people of La Rioja also gave thanks for their harvests with religious ceremonies. The date chosen was 21 September, the feast of Saint Matthew, patron saint of merchants. These festivals are also the starting point for the grape harvest.

The recreational part of these trade fairs became increasingly important over time. This is how wine, the fruit par excellence of the land of La Rioja, was introduced into the medieval markets of the town of Logroño and gained its well-deserved prominence to this day.

Nowadays, the San Mateo and Grape Harvest festivals are the most popular in La Rioja. On 21 September, the people of La Rioja offer the fruits of the harvest and the first grape juice to their patron saint, the Virgin of Valvanera, during the multitudinous act of treading the grapes, which is held at El Espolón.

Popular tastings, running of the bulls with heifers, parade of floats and atmosphere of peñistas, giants and big-heads, puppets and Tragantúa, concerts and open-air dances in the squares, fireworks competition, religious offerings, bullfighting fair, artisan markets and pelota sports are some of the many activities that complete the festive programme.