Wine Wars of Haro: Spain’s Splashiest Tradition
In the quiet northern town of Haro, nestled in Spain’s famous La Rioja wine region, tradition takes an unexpectedly wild turn every June 29. What begins as a religious pilgrimage transforms into a vivid spectacle known as La Batalla del Vino — the Battle of Wine — where locals and visitors alike soak each other head to toe in red wine.
The celebration’s roots trace back centuries. Originally a solemn walk to the hilltop Hermitage of San Felices, the festival has evolved into one of Spain’s most unique cultural events. Legend has it that the tradition either emerged from sixth-century religious pilgrimages or a medieval land dispute between Haro and Miranda de Ebro. What began as wine “baptisms” or boundary-marker walks eventually became a joyful battle of splashes and sprays.
From Sacred Procession to Wine-Soaked Mayhem
Festivities begin just after dawn, as Haro’s mayor and the Brotherhood of San Felices lead a procession to the Bilibio Cliffs. After a traditional Mass at the hermitage, a rocket launch signals the start of the wine battle.
Dressed in white with red scarves, participants arm themselves with buckets, water guns, and wine-filled bottles. The goal? To stain as many people as possible in red wine, turning their white outfits into purple canvases of celebration. Gigantic tankers provided by the town hall hold up to 15,000 liters of wine each — much of it low-grade or leftover vino unsuitable for bottling — with roughly 50,000 liters used during the event.
Despite the wild scenes, organizers stress that the event is not merely a booze fest. “It started with faith and friendship,” said José Luis Pérez Pastor, La Rioja’s regional culture and tourism minister. “If we want this to remain authentic, it can’t just be another drinking party.”
By midday, after hours of revelry, the wine-soaked crowd returns to Haro’s town square, Plaza de la Paz, for parades, music, traditional food — especially caracoles, or snails in tomato and pepper sauce — and even bullfighting. The contrast between sacred ritual and festive chaos makes the day unforgettable.
Global Buzz Meets Local Concern
The festival has gained global attention, thanks to social media and returning visitors who describe it as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” American couple Jessica and Eric Smith, who now live in La Rioja, recalled the thrill of being ambushed by veteran participants wielding backpack wine sprayers.
“You’re instantly welcomed into the chaos,” Jessica said. “It’s everything beautiful about Spanish culture — spontaneous, joyful, and full of community.”
Toby Paramor, a UK travel company director who first attended the festival in 2007, calls it “surreal and joyful.” His company now offers immersive trips to the event, but organizers are growing cautious about maintaining the festival’s integrity.
“There’s deep history here,” Pastor added. “Attending Mass, understanding the roots, and engaging with respect — that’s how to experience it fully.”
While the Battle of Wine offers wild fun, at its heart lies something more enduring: community, culture, and a connection to the past that makes it more than just another party.
