Tom Powell
PREPARATIONS for Manilva’s three-day, foot-stomping, grape festival are wrapping up ready for the big day.
Every year, over the first weekend in September, Manilva celebrates its annual grape harvest with flamenco dancers, wine tasters and brass bands.
The festival was founded in the early ’60s and has become an important part of the local calendar, drawing visitors from all across the region.
Manilva’s Moscatel grape is used to produce dry and sweet wines, as well as creating the world-famous Pasas de Malaga (Malaga raisin) when dried.
Activities begin on September 6 with a competition at the Manilva Wine Centre to find the best bunch of grapes in the region.
Later in the afternoon, there is a Holy Mass after which the Virgin is borne through the streets, accompanied by the Manilva Town Band, to the Plaza de la Vendimia where she receives an offering of grapes.
Saturday is capped off by an evening of live music and dancing in the Plaza.
Sunday is considered the main day of the festival, with the party starting at midday and carrying on into the early hours of Monday morning.
The ceremonial treading of the grapes takes place on Sunday evening, along with the local riding club’s parade.
Monday is a public holiday and marks the end of the celebrations.
In other grape-related news, Mallorca’s annual grape-throwing festival takes place at the end of September. With free vino served on the final day, it looks set to be a wine-soaked weekend in more ways than one.
This is one of the most important fiestas in Manilva with many people from all around visiting and enjoying the party.
This is from last years festivities:
“https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9mRY17OAyg”