The National Harvest Festival: a tribute to wine and an unforgettable celebration
In Mendoza, one of the most important festivals in the country is held every year. Learn about its history and all the details of the celebration.
The National Harvest Festival is history, tradition and the most representative emblem of the province of Mendoza. For several days, these lands celebrate the grape harvest and wine production, one of the most important economic activities in Argentina, and which marks the culture of the province. Every year, thousands of travelers decide to visit Mendoza to enjoy the events and be part of a party that celebrates the production of Argentina’s national drink: wine.
At the end of February and beginning of March of each year, the National Harvest Festival invites you to be part of events that happen only in Mendoza. There are almost ten weeks in which events are held to learn about the traditions and culture that make up the identity of the province. But the celebration of the vine does not begin in these weeks, but from December each provincial department celebrates its Festival that culminates in the Central Act of the National Harvest Festival.
At Rentennials we want you to know in depth this event that is an identity mark of Mendoza. For this reason, we provide you with all the information about the history, tradition and culture of the National Harvest Festival.
Why is the harvest celebrated?
The harvest is the time of the grape harvest. In Argentina it takes place from January to March, depending on the type of grape strain. During these months, hundreds of workers begin to collect and select the best grapes, which will then be used for the production of wine or the consumption of the fruit.
This is the culmination of a year-long effort by wine producers and workers dedicated to caring for this fruit that requires special attention. The climate in Mendoza is very pleasant, but it can also become inhospitable: frost, wind, cold and even snow can ruin hundreds of hectares of vineyards.
In the past, this care required great attention, work and rustic techniques that could fail. Today, although technology allows us to reduce the dangers of a bad harvest, it is still necessary to have a great commitment and effort to protect the crops. Therefore, reaching the time of grape harvest with the vineyards in optimal conditions continues to be an achievement that deserves a memorable celebration. Furthermore, even today, to harvest the vine hundreds of workers are needed since it is a manual activity that cannot be replaced by a machine.
For the Province of Mendoza, the grape harvest is not only part of an economic activity, but it is also a popular festival that combines love for the land and gratitude for work and effort. In other words, the grape harvest is fundamental to the identity of the people of Mendoza.
Over the years, the National Harvest Festival has become the most important National Festival in the country and the highest cultural expression of this time of year.
A little history of the grape harvest celebration
Although the National Harvest Festival began to be officially celebrated in the 1930s, small celebrations to celebrate the grape harvest were held since colonial times.
Knowing the history of this festival allows us to understand even more the importance of this date for Argentine viticulture and society.
When was the first National Harvest Festival?
It was not until the beginning of the 20th century that an attempt was made to officially organize a celebration. In part, it was because European immigration gave another form to the celebrations of harvest time. It was on April 11, 1913 when the Harvest Festival was organized. It was the first time that allegorical floats paraded, something that continues to this day.
It was not until 1936 that the National Harvest Festival was held officially for the first time. Governor Guillermo Cano, through Provincial Decree No. 87, institutionalized this celebration. On April 18, 1936, some emblematic events began that continue to this day. The parade of floats in the roundabout of the San Martín National Park; artistic shows; and the election of the first Queen of the Grape Harvest at the Gimnasia y Esgrima Club. The chronicles say that some 50 thousand people attended the time when Delia Larrive Escudero was elected as the first queen, a young woman who lived in Godoy Cruz.
Today, many of these events continue to be fundamental in the National Grape Harvest Festival. Tradition, history and the economic importance of wine production come together in a few days that deserve to be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
And the best thing is that from December onwards, the grape harvest can be experienced in every corner of the province.
What is the National Grape Harvest Festival like?
The National Grape Harvest Festival is much more than the two days in which the best artists are invited to participate in a unique show at the Greek Theatre in General San Martín Park. Although everything ends here, a few days before there are emblematic events that are transcendental milestones of the Grape Harvest Festival.
The celebration begins with the Blessing of the Fruits and continues, a few days later, with the Harvest Festival. Then, on the Friday and Saturday before the grand finale, the Vía Blanca and the Carousel take place, two emblematic parades. Finally, everything culminates with the Central Act at the Greek Theater. This tour of events gradually immerses the visitor in the traditions and identity of these lands.
The traditional events of the National Harvest Festival
Each of the events has its characteristics and its representation. Therefore, the importance of maintaining the succession of the celebrations so that the visitor understands and becomes more familiar with the meaning of each day.
Federal Walk
A few days before the beginning of the National Harvest Festival, this cultural meeting of all the departments of the province takes place. It is usually at the San Vicente grounds, where there is music and dances from all over Mendoza.
In addition, it is possible to taste the local gastronomy and learn about the regional products and crafts that many entrepreneurs from Mendoza have to offer.
Blessing of the Fruits
This is the celebration that inaugurates the National Harvest Festival. The Virgin of Carrodilla -protector of the vineyards- is the central figure. A joint prayer is said by all religious creeds to give thanks for the wine of the new year and wish the best for the next harvest.
In addition, the coup de reja is performed, a symbol of the efforts of the workers and producers of Mendoza. Here, everyone from the governor of the province, different productive sectors to the current Harvest Queen usually participate.
It is usually the Sunday before the Central Act.
Harvest Festival
Between the Blessing of the Fruits and the Central Act, one of the most anticipated shows is celebrated: The Harvest Festival. It is an event that brings together hundreds of people in an open-air concert with dance and music. In addition, the best wines from Mendoza (and therefore from the world) are tasted. It is a tribute to the work of winemakers, producers and those who are in the field on a daily basis.
It has been taking place at the Plumerillo International Airport for some time now.
Vía Blanca
On the night before the Central Act, a beautiful route takes place in the central streets of the city. It is a night parade of the departmental queens who travel the main avenues in floats. They themselves are the ones who will later compete in the election of the National Queen of the Grape Harvest.
You have to be very attentive: as they pass by, they throw fruits and regional products to the public. It is an event that unites the entire Mendoza community and can be enjoyed for free.
Each year the parade can modify its route slightly, but it is always held in the center of the capital.
Carousel
The morning after the Vía Blanca, and hours before the Central Act, another iconic moment of this National Holiday takes place. In this event, not only the cars that refer to the Vía Blanca pass through, but also the Vendimia and the departmental queens, but the traditionalist centers, communities and artistic groups. The diversity, customs and traditions make this day the cultural identity of the people of Mendoza.
Like the Vía Blanca, it takes place in the center of the city and is free.
Central Act of the National Harvest Festival
The long-awaited day has arrived. On Saturday night, at the Frank Romero Day Greek Theater, popular artists from all the arts are called to participate in an unforgettable moment. The shows that are performed each year are unique and change their name, script and repertoire. But they always have something in common: the reference to the magical moment of the harvest, the production of wine and everything that this means for the province. Of course, the protagonists are the singing, the dancing, the music and the performances that are complemented by beautiful light and sound effects.
In addition, on this same day the National Harvest Queen is chosen.
An important fact: the Saturday show is repeated on Sunday night.
The election of the National Queen of the Grape Harvest
The National Queen of the Grape Harvest is the woman chosen to represent the province and winemaking at official events or different events relevant to this economic activity. She is part of the culture of the province, which is why her election is of fundamental importance during the National Festival.
The 18 departmental Queens participate (previously chosen at the departmental Festivals) and are voted on by a group of juries.
Who usually votes? The 18 mayors of the province of Mendoza, the director of the Central Event, the Commission of Queens and Vice Queens, representatives of accredited media outlets and some members of the public chosen by drawing lots.
Once the chosen one is revealed, the coronation takes place. This is a culminating moment: the previous Queen passes the crown and the grape harvest scepter to the new National Queen of the Grape Harvest.
Both the election and the coronation take place on the day of the Central Act at the Greek Theatre.
The departmental Harvest Festivals, a celebration that begins in December
From December, the departments of the province of Mendoza begin to celebrate the harvest season and the effort of the work that was done during the year. The regions of the province show their own traditions and essence through art and culture, paying tribute to the winemaking activity. Each season they usually put on a different show with a special theme that reflects the local identity. At the end of the departmental Festival, the harvest queen of each town is chosen, who will then compete with the other representatives to become the National Harvest Queen.
This tour of the province is a bridge that ends at the great National Harvest Festival.
Where are the departmental Festivals?
Each year the departments of the province organize and establish a calendar of activities to enjoy the events in the main towns. Usually, it is possible to check the calendar on the official website of the province of Mendoza.
The schedule changes from year to year, but these are the departments of the province that celebrate:
- Guaymallén
- Luján de Cuyo
- Malargüe
- La Paz
- Junín
- Lavalle
- San Rafael
- San Martín
- San Carlos
- Rivadavia
- Tunuyán
- Las Heras
- General Alvear
- Ciudad de Mendoza
- Santa Rosa
- Tupungato
- Maipú
- Godoy Cruz
Tips for experiencing the National Harvest Festival
These days the province dresses up for a party. It is one of the most anticipated moments for thousands of Mendoza residents, national and foreign tourists. As it could not be otherwise, many people decide to visit these lands, which makes it very necessary to organize the trip in advance.
Here are some tips to live the National Harvest Festival to the fullest:
- Book your accommodation in advance.
- To visit nearby wineries, whether in Luján de Cuyo, Maipú or Valle de Uco, it is best to have a guaranteed place.
- Rent a car to move around freely and visit the must-see places in the province.
- At night, the best restaurants in the city fill up, so it is best to call ahead to secure a table or go early.
Buy tickets to the National Harvest Festival
For the free activities, it is not necessary to book, but it is essential to buy tickets for the Central Act, which are purchased online. To find out when they go on sale and their prices, you can visit the social networks of the National Harvest Festival.
Enjoy the National Harvest Festival with Rentennials
National Festivals are an emblem of Argentina, and the National Harvest Festival is one of the greatest cultural expressions in which it is enjoyed to the fullest. Deciding to be part of it is very simple: book your accommodation, buy your ticket and live an unforgettable experience with Rentennials.
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