La Rioja is a region in northern Spain known for its beautiful vineyards and delicious grapes. Every September, people in La Rioja celebrate the San Mateo Festival. This week-long festival is full of energy, color and community. It is one of the most important events of the year in Logroño, the capital city of La Rioja.
I learned about the San Mateo Festival, also called the “Fiestas de la Vendimia Riojana," which means "Rioja Grape Harvest Festival" in English. It celebrates the grape harvest, or vendimia. A grape harvest is when people pick the grapes off of the grapevines. During the festival, people wear traditional clothes, listen to music, dance and enjoy food together. There are lots of parades, fireworks shows, concerts, bullfights, food and drink vendors and more! One special part is when people crush grapes from the most recent grape harvest with their feet to make juice.
The community celebrates this tradition to give thanks for the grape harvest. The grape harvest is an event everyone in La Rioja looks forward to every year. For many families, the grape harvest has been part of their lives for generations. The festival helps people remember their history and share their happiness with friends and visitors.
