Kripan has been counting down the days for weeks, and in just seven days it will be the star of Rioja Alavesa. On September 13th, this small town will host the 31st edition of the region’s Wine Harvest Festival, an event that moves to a different town each year to celebrate the work of winegrowers and the wine that gives the entire area its name. «It’s an honor to open the doors of our town on such a special day,» said Kripan’s mayor, Joseba Fernández Calleja, who describes the day as more than just an agricultural celebration: «It represents the unity, identity, and festive spirit that we share as a community.»
According to what we read in theprogramThe day will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a performance by the Kripan dance group. At 11:00 a.m., the opening address will be given by Pepe Viyuela, followed by the traditional grape treading and tasting of the first must. Next, a tasting of Rioja Alavesa wines will begin, for €10 including a glass and a choice of five wines, served by students from the Egibide-Mendizorrotza Hospitality School. At 12:00 p.m., guided wine tastings by Kripan will take place, and at 12:30 p.m., the Grand «Vendimia» Tournament will bring together the aizkolaris (woodchoppers) in the town square.
- Pepe Viyuela returns to Kripan to deliver the opening address for the 31st Rioja Alavesa Wine Harvest Festival, 18 years after first doing so in 2008. His return makes history: he is the first person to give the opening address twice for this celebration. With family roots in his grandmother’s village, which he describes as «an oasis of affection,» he will also champion wine as a food and an essential part of our culture.
Fiesta para todos los públicos, con autobuses desde varias capitales
The community lunch at 2:00 PM will be the day’s main event, before the pelota matches conclude the sporting program at 4:30 PM. Throughout the day there will be games and activities for children, music and street performances, as well as a market featuring crafts and locally sourced agricultural products.
Those wishing to attend from outside the region can do so by bus: there are organized departures from Vitoria-Gasteiz, Bilbao, and Donostia-San Sebastián, with prior registration required by September 11th. It’s worth noting that Kripan is only 20 kilometers from Logroño and 57 kilometers from Vitoria-Gasteiz, so for most, it’s just a short walk away.
Txomin Ruiz.