Grape Harvest Festival and Main Event

The origins of the Grape Harvest Festival date back to 1936, when engineer Frank Romero Day, the then Minister of Industry and Public Works in Mendoza, signed a decree which provided that the grape harvest should become a social event and be included in the national agenda.

Back then, the celebrations would take place at General San Martín Park and they were so important that it was attended by Mr. Miguel Ángel Cárcano, the Minister of Agriculture of the Nation in those days.


Popular and National

The Grape Harvest is the most popular festival in Mendoza and the country. In this province located in the Cuyo area, the grape harvest celebrations are part of the popular folklore. They summon winegrowers, winemakers and all those who work the land year round taking care of the vines and introduce them to the rest of society.

A carrousel, a winery banquet and a tour along San Martín Avenue are just the starter. Over 25 thousand viewers show up at the Gimnasia y Esgrima stadium, where the first Main Act in the festival is held.


God Bless You

The Blessing of the Fruit event officially inaugurates the grape harvest celebrations in Mendoza. During the first harvests, peasants used to thank the saints for the good crops.

This act used to be held inside each winery. It became a custom. The Carrodilla Virgin was chosen by the peasants. Ever since, the Blessing of the Fruit has become part of the official celebrations.


White Way and Carrousel

As the sun sets and it starts to get dark, one of the most important traditions in the Grape Harvest celebration is about to begin: the Queens’ White Way. This is the moment people from all the departments in the province of Mendoza look forward to. They are equipped with signs and banners to welcome their queens and princesses.

The next day, the Carrousel is one of the essential components of the Grape Harvest celebrations. It is then when the people of Mendoza, along with tourists from all over the world, may enjoy the daytime queen parade, without make up.

The various carriages representing each department with their queens and princesses parade along the main streets in town. As they pass by, the girls salute and thank the cheering crowd.


The Election, at Night

When the first night of celebrations arrives, the opening ceremony and the National Grape Harvest Queen election are held at the Romero Day Greek Theater.

Thousands and thousands of visitors attend this event every year to enjoy a majestic and unique show in the world.

The venue can sit over 20 spectators who will applaud this show of light and sound which displays the singular effort made by winegrowers every year to reach the harvest. An incredible gig.