During August Jumilla has not just one but four fiestas to look forward to. There is the renowned Fiesta de la Vendimia, the 29th National Folklore Festival, the XXIV Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos and the Fiesta of the Virgen de la Asunción, the patroness of Jumilla. Yes, it’s party time in Jumilla – and the wine is flowing!
On Saturday night, the opening event of the Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos was held at the newly opened “Roque Baños” Cultural Centre. We sat outside, enjoying a couple of bottles of good Jumilla wine and some tasty tapas with our friends, while watching the proceedings. Afterwards we listened to a concert by AJAM (Asociación Jumillana Amigos de la Música), playing several Moors and Christians marches as well as a couple of pasodobles.
The next event in the Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos will be on Saturday 7th August: La Noche de las Antorchas. This is the first time we have been in Jumilla to watch the torchlight procession up to the Castle, so we are looking forward to it. We are also hoping to get invitations to the concert in the castle after the procession: Musici Mundi by Jésus Parra.
On Sunday 8th August, Jumilla celebrates the Offering of Flowers to the Virgen de la Asunción. At 20.00 the procession will leave the Jardín del Rollo, going along Calle Canovas del Castillo to the Church of Santiago.
The Fiesta de la Vendimia will kick off on Thursday 12th August, with the Gran Fiesta de Exaltación del Vino at Salones Pio XII. Last year we queued up outside the Ayuntamiento, hoping to get tickets, but were disappointed. If we are luckier this year, I will definitely post some photos on here! The Gran Fiesta includes lots of good wine, local gastronomic delicacies, music and fireworks: all the ingredients of a great party (or gran fiesta!) Our fingers are definitely crossed.
In my next post I will tell you more about upcoming events in the Fiesta de la Vendimia as well as the National Folklore Festival. If you want a copy of our “What’s on in Jumilla” newsletter, fill out the form on the Contact page.
