Event Details
Welcome to the Batalla del Vino 2027 in Haro
On Tuesday, 29 June 2027, the Riscos de Bilibio cliffs above Haro will turn deep red as thousands of people drench each other in Rioja red wine. The Batalla del Vino is one of Spain's most extraordinary festivals and has held the status of Fiesta of National Tourist Interest since 2011. Dressed in white with red scarves, the so-called jarreros (Haro's local name for its residents) ascend to the clifftops at dawn for a celebration that blends ancient pilgrimage, Catholic tradition and sheer festive joy.
History & Tradition
The festival's roots stretch back to medieval times. The celebration honours the hermit San Felices de Bilibio, who lived and died at the Riscos de Bilibio in the 6th century. Over centuries, the annual pilgrimage to his hermitage merged with popular festivities in which wine played an ever-greater role. Since 1949, the wine battle has been a fixed part of Haro's patron saint festival (24 to 29 June), held in honour of San Juan, San Felices and San Pedro. Local legend traces the battle's origin to an ancient territorial dispute between Haro and Miranda de Ebro: as long as the jarreros make the annual pilgrimage, the Riscos remain Haro's.
Program on 29 June 2027
- From 6:30 AM: Free shuttle buses depart from the campsite entrance (Puente del Río Tirón) to the Campas de San Felices.
- From 7:00 AM: The pilgrimage ascent to the Riscos de Bilibio begins, accompanied by charanga brass bands.
- Around 8:00 AM: Arrival at the Ermita de San Felices; traditional mass is celebrated at the hermitage chapel.
- After the mass: A rocket signals the start of the Batalla del Vino: thousands of litres of red wine fill the air.
- Around 10:00 to 11:00 AM: The main battle winds down; communal almuerzo (breakfast feast) on site with traditional Rioja food.
- Afternoon: Return to Haro, music, peña parades and continued festivities in the old town.
Rules of the Wine Battle
- White clothing is essential, plus a red neckerchief: the wine stain must show.
- Permitted weapons: wine skins (botas), jugs, plastic containers, water pistols, garden sprayers and similar items, but absolutely no glass.
- No glass permitted anywhere on the grounds.
- The charanga bands play as long as wine remains. When the music stops and people start grilling lamb chops and snails, the battle is over.
Festival Week (24 to 29 June)
The Batalla del Vino is the grand finale of a full week of festivities in Haro. The preceding days include concerts on Plaza de la Paz, the Batalla del Vino Infantil (children's wine battle, around 27 June), the traditional snail-cooking competition, orchestra dances late into the night and local craft fairs. The festival officially opens on 22 June with the traditional rocket launch.
Getting There
- By car: Haro is located on the AP-68 motorway between Bilbao and Zaragoza. On 29 June, road access to the Riscos is strictly controlled; only vehicles with prior municipal permission may enter before 8:30 AM.
- Shuttle bus: The Ayuntamiento de Haro runs a free shuttle service from approximately 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM between the campsite entrance and the battle grounds.
- By train: Haro has a Renfe station (Miranda de Ebro to Logroño line). Special buses run from Logroño (approx. 35 km, 45 min by car) on the day of the festival.
- Parking: Park in Haro and take the shuttle. Arrive very early to secure a space.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive at the campsite by 6:30 AM to board the first shuttle buses.
- Wear white clothes you do not mind ruining; keep a spare change of clothes in the car.
- Closed-toe shoes with a non-slip sole are essential; no sandals, as the cliff path can be slippery.
- Contact lens wearers: bring swimming goggles or protective glasses.
- Bring your own Rioja red wine in suitable plastic containers. No glass allowed.
- Book accommodation in Haro or Logroño several months in advance; the entire region fills up during festival week.
- Shower facilities are usually available at the campsite for a small fee after the battle.
