The Historical Roots of the Haro Wine Fight Festival

The Haro Wine Festival, one of the most celebrated wine festivals in Spain, takes place annually in the La Rioja region of northern Spain. This vibrant event, known as La Batalla de Vino, is commemorated every year on June 29th, San Pedro's Day, in the historic town of Haro, renowned for its high-quality Rioja Vino.

Origins of the Festival

The festival's roots can be traced back to the 12th century, originating from a longstanding land dispute between the people of Haro and the neighboring village of Miranda del Ebro. King Ferdinand the Third of Castille intervened in 1237, resolving the issue via an utorial letter. This was later used by Judge Sancho Martinez de Leiva as a legal basis to delineate the borders between the two villages. As a testament to their property, Haro’s town officials were instructed to mark their boundaries with the town's purple banners on San Pedro's Day and the first Sunday of each September. Failure to complete this task would result in the land being claimed by Miranda del Ebro. To ensure prompt compliance, a procession to the Bilibio cliffs was organized every June 29th.

The Birth of the Battle of Wine

Historical records indicate that the battle of wine as a tradition began around 1710. After attending mass and worshipping San Pedro, the patron saint, a celebratory revelry emerged where people started throwing wine at each other. This spontaneous act has since evolved into the iconic 'war of wine' tradition, which gained immense popularity in the 1945 to 1955 decade. In 1965, the name was officially changed to the 'Battle of the Wine'.

Modern Celebrations

Today, the Haro Wine Fight Festival continues to attract thousands of participants and spectators each year. Participants mêlée in a joyful and energetic atmosphere, participating in the symbolic freeing of bottles alongside beer, sardines, and traditional foods. Unlike a traditional 'war', this festival is a celebration of friendship, unity, and camaraderie.

Join the Celebration

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