The celebrations have already begun, however it’s not too late to join us in Jumilla for the Feria and Fiestas.
Today, Tuesday 13 August, there will be an official reception in the Ayuntamiento at 18.30, but don’t worry if you haven’t been invited (neither have I!) as there will still be plenty to see later in the evening. I always enjoy watching the procession of local peñas (associations) wearing their traditional costumes and carrying the first grapes. This starts at 20.00 from the Paseo Poeta Lorenzo Guardiola and finishes in the Jardín de la Glorieta, where you can watch them treading the grapes to produce the must. The day ends with a free concert in the grounds of Arzobispo Lozano school: “Voy a Pasármelo G”, which is a tribute to Hombres G, a popular Spanish rock band from the ’80s and ’90s. Rock on!
Wednesday 14 August is the day of the Cabalgata Tradicional, which is definitely not to be missed. If you’re in town earlier in the day you can see the floats that will be taking part in the evening’s procession. They will be lined up on the Paseo Poeta Lorenzo Guardiola from 11.00, ready for the judges to make the awards to the best floats at 11.30. If that’s not tempting enough, you can also taste local wines and products at the stands of the individual peñas. The evening’s party starts at 20.30, when the floats set off from Calle Trabajo (behind the tourist office) and wind their way along Canovas del Castillo with much singing and dancing plus handing out wine, sangria and snacks to the eager spectators. It’s always an amazing atmosphere (and the free wine and sangria also help!)
There’s a concert after the Cabalgata, with “La Pegatina” and “Caligaris” performing in Arzobispo Lozano, though this time tickets are 10€ in advance or 12€ on the gate.
This is a link to the town’s street map if you don’t know Jumilla as well as I do. http://www.jumilla.org/servicios/callejero.asp Finally, please return to this page tomorrow, as there are lots more events to add. You definitely don’t want to miss hearing about Saturday’s Gran Cabalgata del Vino!