Wine is integral to life in southern Europe. You’ll often see locals having a glass over lunch or even enjoying a small glass with their dark, strong coffee first thing on a morning. It’s one of the elements of the Mediterranean diet that is accredited to their longevity and good health.

Celebrating the start of the harvest

Wine is also very much part of society’s celebrations, and this is very true in the Andalucian town of Cómpeta, a town which can be found to the north east of Andalucia, near the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Almara Natural Park, approximately one hour and 15 minutes drive from Málaga itself. The celebrations take place on the 15th August, also the day of Our Lady of the Assumption, the patron saint of the town, and celebrate the days when people used to leave for their country houses or go to work at country houses picking and crushing the grapes for wine. In those days, they didn’t return until October when the harvest or vintage was over, and so this was a parting fiesta.

Flamenco, local produce and poetry
The Plaza de la Vendimia in the town centre is where everything takes place and the party begins with grape stomping accompanied by music known as fandangos from Cómpeta itself and panda and verdial dances from other local towns. There are other events during the day including a regional produce market, Flamenco singing and dancing, poetry readings and shows by local artists.

Of course, the day and night are not complete without trying the local food, in this case migas - a fried breadcrumb dish that is served up by the locals alongside the wine that the celebrations centre around. The wine, a Muscatel is a sweet orange-brown in colour, is delicious with the migas and local cheeses and hams.

Cómpeta is within driving distance of Málaga and many of our properties for sale on the Costa del Sol. This traditional festival is well away from the tourist map and retains its charm. Local hotels are available if you want to stay the night and really celebrate with the locals.

Sources:
Visitcostadelsol.com
Andalucia.org
Telegraph.co.uk