Annual August fiestas in Jumilla awarded National Tourist Interest status

The Fiesta de la Vendimia already attracts large crowds of visitors to the Cabalgata del Vino and other wine-related celebrations

The annual Fiesta de la Vendimia in Jumilla, which combines a celebration of the start of the grape-picking season with various other traditional elements of local culture and culminates in the mayhem of the Wine Battle in the streets on the second Saturday, has been awarded National Tourist Interest status by Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism, it was announced last week.

The news was first received by Mayoress Severa González, who highlighted its importance for the natives and residents of Jumilla, while at the same time it will bring a further boost to visitor numbers in this part of the north of the Region of Murcia.

It is worth remembering that this new status for the Fiesta de la Vendimia is the result of far more than some government officials in Madrid deciding they like the fiesta and giving it this recognition: it is a reward for the great efforts made by many people in the town and the Town Hall to promote the events of the celebrations, which also include a traditional parade, the Offering of the Grapes and the first wine juice and other symbolic ceremonies, as well as a wine fair and a folk music and dancing festival.

In its current format, the Fiesta de la Vendimia was first held in 1972, since when new aspects have been added year after year, making it one of the most important ways in which the identity of Jumilla is expressed and celebrated. The Federación de Peñas de la Fiesta de la Vendimia was formed in 1983 to coordinate and organize the activities.

So, Jumilla is now added to the list of only 6 Fiestas with National Tourist Interest status in the Region of Murcia, the others being the Fiestas de San Isidro Labrador in Yecla, the fiestas of Los Mayos in Alhama de Murcia, the San Javier International Jazz Festival, the Moros y Cristianos (which reach their conclusion today in the city of Murcia) and the Fiesta de las Cuadrillas de Barranda in the municipality of Caravaca de la Cruz.

At the same time there are 13 annual fiestas in Murcia which have reached the even higher level of International Tourist Interest, including the processions of Semana Santa in Jumilla.

For more local news, events and visiting information please contact the local tourist office (968 780237) or go to the home page of Jumilla Today.