Haro, known as the "Capital of Rioja", is a town located in the autonomous community of La Rioja, in northern Spain, if you have ever wondered what to do in Haro, here we tell you several activities or important days in which to enjoy a city with a lot of history and charm.
With a rich winemaking history and vibrant culture, Haro is a tourist destination that combines tradition, gastronomy and unique festivities. This article will explore in detail the most outstanding activities and festivities in Haro, offering a complete overview of what this town has to offer its visitors and residents.
The Battle of the Wine: A Unique Party
One of the most emblematic festivities in Haro is the Wine Battlewhich is celebrated every year on June 29th in honor of St. Peter, patron saint of the town. This festival, declared of National Tourist Interest, is a unique experience that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Origins and Significance
The Battle of the Wine has its roots in an ancient territorial dispute between Haro and the neighboring town of Miranda de Ebro. According to tradition, the jarreros or harenses climbed the hill of Bilibio to reaffirm their possession of the land. Over time, this claim was transformed into a recreational celebration in which wine became the protagonist.
Development of the Festival
The festival begins early in the morning with a pilgrimage to the Bilibio hill, about 6 kilometers from Haro. Participants, dressed in white with red handkerchiefs, climb the hill in carts, on horseback or on foot. Once at the top, a mass is celebrated in honor of San Pedro, followed by a floral offering.
After the mass, the battle begins. Participants throw wine at each other using bottles, water pistols, buckets and whatever containers they have at hand. The aim is to drench each other with red wine from La Rioja, creating an impressive visual spectacle. The party continues in the streets of Haro, where music, dance and local gastronomy complete the celebration.
Cultural and Tourist Importance
The Wine Battle is not only a fun festival, but also an expression of Haro's cultural identity. It represents the importance of wine in the economy and social life of the town. In addition, this festivity has contributed significantly to tourism in the region, attracting visitors who wish to experience a unique tradition in the world.
The Festivities of San Juan and San Felices
Another outstanding celebration in Haro is the Fiestas de San Juan and San Felices, which take place at the end of June. These festivities combine religious, cultural and recreational elements, offering a complete experience for all attendees.
Religious Activities
The festivities begin with a series of religious events in honor of San Juan and San Felices, two important saints for the local community. Masses, processions and floral offerings are held, in which both residents and visitors participate.
Cultural and Sporting Events
In addition to religious events, the Fiestas de San Juan and San Felices include a variety of cultural and sporting activities. Among them are:
– Concerts and musical showsDuring the festivities, concerts are organized with local and national artists, as well as traditional Riojan dance performances.
– Sports competitionsSoccer, Basque pelota and other sports tournaments are held, in which teams from Haro and neighboring towns participate.
– Exhibitions and fairsCraft fairs and art exhibitions are held, where visitors can purchase local products and admire works by Riojan artists.
Gastronomy and Oenology
The festivities are also an opportunity to enjoy the gastronomy and wines of La Rioja. Wine tastings, wine pairings and popular meals are organized in which typical dishes such as potatoes Rioja style, chorizo in wine and stuffed peppers are served.
Easter Week in Haro
Holy Week is one of the most important religious celebrations in Haro, with a tradition that goes back centuries. This festivity combines solemnity, devotion and art, offering a unique spiritual and cultural experience.
Processions and Religious Events
During Holy Week, several processions are held in which local brotherhoods and sisterhoods participate. These processions are characterized by the presence of pasos, which are religious sculptures representing scenes from the Passion of Christ. The pasos are carried by the cofrades, who wear traditional tunics and capirotes.
Among the most outstanding processions are:
– Procession of the Holy BurialThis procession takes place on Good Friday and is one of the most solemn. The participants walk through the streets of Haro in silence, accompanied by the sound of drums and bugles.
– Procession of the EncounterThe procession is celebrated on Easter Sunday and represents the meeting between the resurrected Jesus and the Virgin Mary. It is a moment of great emotion for the faithful.
Art and Culture
Holy Week in Haro is also an opportunity to appreciate religious art. The pasos used in the processions are works of art carved in wood, many of them made by local artists. In addition, exhibitions and lectures on the historical and cultural significance of Holy Week are organized during this time.
San Mateo Fair: Wine and Grape Harvest Celebration
The San Mateo Fair is another of Logroño's most important festivities, held in mid-September. This fair is dedicated to wine and the grape harvest, and is a perfect occasion to enjoy the richness of La Rioja's viticulture.
Winemaking Activities
During the San Mateo Fair, several activities related to wine are organized, among which the following stand out:
– Grape treadingVisitors can participate in the traditional grape treading, an activity that symbolizes the beginning of the grape harvest.
– Tastings and pairingsGuided tastings of wines from La Rioja are offered, as well as pairings with local products such as cheeses, sausages and typical sweets.
Cultural and Sporting Events
In addition to the wine activities, the San Mateo Fair includes an extensive cultural and sports program. Among the most outstanding events are:
- Concerts and showsDuring the fair, concerts of traditional and contemporary music are held, as well as dance and theater performances.
- Sports competitionsBasque pelota, soccer and other sports tournaments are organized, in which local and regional teams participate.
- Crafts fairVisitors can purchase handcrafted products at the fair, which includes stalls of ceramics, textiles and other handmade objects.
Local Gastronomy
The San Mateo Fair is also an excellent opportunity to enjoy the gastronomy of La Rioja. Popular meals and cooking competitions are organized, in which typical dishes are prepared, such as cod Rioja style, vine shoot chops and fardelejos (a typical sweet of the region).
Other Activities and Parties in Haro or surroundings
In addition to the aforementioned festivities, Haro offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year that reflect the cultural and natural richness of the town.
Haro Wine Route
Haro is one of the key points of the Rioja Wine Route, a tourist itinerary that allows visitors to explore the region's wineries and vineyards. The route includes guided visits to historic wineries, wine tastings and walks through the vineyards, offering a complete oenological experience.
Ezcaray Jazz Festival
The Ezcaray Jazz Festival is an annual cultural event that attracts musicians and jazz fans from all over Spain. During the festival, concerts, workshops and jam sessions are organized in different areas of the town, creating a festive and musical atmosphere.
Livestock Fair
The Haro Livestock Fair is a centuries-old tradition that continues to be an important event in the town. During the fair, the region's livestock farmers exhibit and sell their animals, and competitions and auctions are organized. In addition, the fair includes recreational and gastronomic activities, such as tastings of local products and popular meals.
Outdoor Activities
Haro is also an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor activities. The town is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, such as the Natural Park of Sierra de Cebollera and the Ebro River, which offer opportunities for hiking, biking and cycling, 4×4 routesfishing, visit a winery and discover how wine is made and other recreational activities.
Haro is a town that combines tradition, culture and nature, offering a wide variety of activities and festivals that attract visitors from all over the world to Haro itself or its surroundings. From the emblematic Wine Battle to the solemn Easter Week processions, including the San Mateo Fair and the Jazz Festival in neighboring Ezcaray, Haro is a destination that leaves no one indifferent. Its festivities are not only an expression of the town's cultural identity and surroundings, but also an opportunity to enjoy the gastronomy, wine and art of La Rioja. If you are looking for an authentic and enriching experience, Haro is definitely a place you should visit.
