Read about the Manilva Grape Harvest Festival. One of Manilva’s most treasured traditions returns on the first weekend of September! Founded in the early ’60s, the Vendimia has become a must-see event, filled with music, wine, parades, and the iconic grape treading.
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Manilva Grape Harvest Festival – Tradition, Wine, and Celebration
The Manilva Grape Harvest Festival is one of the Costa del Sol’s most beloved traditions, taking place every year on the first weekend of September in the charming whitewashed village of Manilva Pueblo. Dating back to the 16th century, this festival celebrates the end of the Muscatel grape harvest and is officially recognized as a Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest.
The festivities begin on Friday evening with a vibrant flamenco performance. On Saturday, a procession honors Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, the patroness of the vineyards. The highlight comes on Sunday, when the village hosts a rociera mass, a colorful horse-drawn parade, and the famous grape treading ceremony in the Plaza de la Vendimia. Visitors can taste the first fresh grape juice (mosto) of the year, enjoy live music, street food, dancing, and, of course, plenty of local wine.
The Manilva Grape Harvest Festival attracts thousands of locals and tourists each year, blending culture, faith, and celebration in a way that truly captures the spirit of Andalusia.
In 2025, the festival will be held on 6–7 September. Despite a challenging harvest due to the mildiu fungus, the quality of the grapes remains excellent, ensuring another unforgettable celebration of Manilva’s winemaking heritage.
Manilva Grape Harvest Festival Programme Highlights
Friday 5 September 2025
- Vendimia Flamenco Festival – 10 pm, Plaza de Orfeo
Saturday 6 September 2025
- 7.30 pm: Holy Mass & procession with grape offering (Calle Mar)
- Contest for the heaviest bunch of grapes
- 10.30 pm: Live music with Latidos & Kalima (Calle Mar)
- DJs Pablo Drazza, Becerra & Pájaro (Plaza de la Vendimia)
- 2.30 am: Set by international DJ & producer Iván Ortiz
Sunday 7 September 2025 – Rociero Sunday
- From 1 pm: Daytime fair, Calle Mar
- 1.30 pm: Horse parade with Peña Caballista de Manilva
- From 2 pm: Street performances by A Compás Musical, Latidos, Compás Flamenco
- 7 pm: Traditional grape treading & first juice tasting (Plaza de la Vendimia)
- 9.30 pm: Closing concert with Trueno Azul
- DJs all afternoon in Plaza de la Vendimia
Manilva Grape Harvest Festival Location in Manilva town
Calle Mar, Plaza de la Vendimia & Wine Centre
Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/TheManilvaLife
Join us for a weekend of tradition, wine, music, and community spirit in the heart of Manilva!
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