Wine tourism in Spain: Spotlight on the city of Haro

Spain is well known for its traditions and several of these customs are related to certain celebrations that, for sure, visitors will love and enjoy.

Wine is an exquisite beverage that is characteristic and typical in lots of regions in Spain but there is a festival that cannot be missed by those who want to experience the full pleasure with this drink. Here’s a new idea to enjoy wine tourism in Spain. 

Haro, the place to enjoy red wine in a different way

When people think about wine they probably think about consuming it recreationally. In fact, this drink is recommended for its health benefits, as wine is rich in antioxidants, regulates blood sugar or keeps the heart healthy.

Of course, it has to be consumed in a moderate way but, when it comes to Haro, in La Rioja, the situation is very different. Why? Because not only do they drink the wine, but also they pour it everywhere else!

Every year, the city of Haro, in La Rioja, holds a celebration of red wine. Commemorating St Peter’s Day, people paint the town red, and not only in a figurative way, because on this day every single person and place is soaked in more than 100.000 litres of red wine.

What makes this tradition special?

This festival, which starts with a procession and then a pilgrimage to the Hermitage of San Felices de Bilibio (the patron of Haro), has been celebrated for three centuries in this place.

Once these two stops are completed, the fun part starts, with the beginning of the activity that locals and tourists have been waiting for. Wearing white clothing and using water bottles, the objective of this kind of competition is to throw wine at each other.

As one can imagine, the result is people totally soaked in red wine, a bit like La Tomatina in Buñol, where wine is replaced by tomatoes with the same purpose: to finish the party covered and stained all over by the local product.

Visiting and enjoying this party in Haro does not only mean getting soaked in wine: visitors can also taste the flavour of the Rioja wine and enjoy other local and delicious food, savouring morcilla sausages or chorizo.

Doing Haro properly

Covid has impeded the celebration of this festivity for two long years, but this summer Haro wants to fill the town again with laughter and joy.

This is for sure an eye-catching highlight of European summer, and it’s easy to find out more with a look at MakeSpain.com (which also offers ideas for things to do and the best places to stay). So, it’s time to prepare, enjoy life and share beautiful moments with people and, of course, with wine.

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