Festival Schedule Overview
Jumilla’s annual festival week kicks off on Monday, August 17th, and concludes on Sunday, August 23rd. The event coincides with the Feast of the Assumption and a local folk music festival, packing the city’s calendar with cultural and entertainment activities. After the initial warm-up days, the main events get underway from Wednesday.
On Wednesday, August 19th, a traditional gachamigas (a local flour-based dish) cooking contest will be held in the fairground parking area. The evening features a Disney-themed children’s musical and the Bis a Bis dance party, building excitement for the grand parades to come.
Thursday: The Traditional Parade
Thursday, August 20th, is a day dedicated to showcasing Jumilla’s rich heritage. Starting at 12:00 PM, the participating floats will be on display at Paseo Poeta Lorenzo Guardiola. At 8:30 PM, the Traditional Parade (Cabalgata Tradicional) begins, starting from Calle Trabajo. The route will pass through Plaza del Rollo, Calle Cánovas del Castillo, Calle San Roque, Calle Los Milanos, Calle Barón del Solar, and Avenida de Levante, finishing at the Mercado de Abastos (Central Market). The parade is a vibrant display of Jumilla’s traditional costumes, local cuisine, and folkloric groups (peñas). At 11:30 PM, there will be a free concert by Nyno Vargas at the IES Arzobispo Lozano high school.
Saturday: The Climax – The Great Wine Parade
Saturday, August 22nd, marks the festival’s peak with the famous Great Wine Parade (Gran Cabalgata del Vino). At 5:30 PM, the parade floats will gather on Avenida Reyes Católicos, officially setting off at 6:00 PM. The route will traverse Avenida de Murcia, Calle Cánovas del Castillo, Calle Pasos, and Avenida de Levante, before returning to Avenida de Murcia. Torrents of wine will be splashed from the floats onto the streets and crowds, drenching the city in the deep purple hue of the iconic Monastrell grape. Later, at 11:00 PM, the Harvest Festival awards ceremony will take place on Paseo Poeta Lorenzo Guardiola.
Sunday: Processions and a Musical Finale
On Sunday, August 23rd, the festivities draw to a close. At 7:30 PM, a solemn religious procession will take place, featuring the statue of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary carried from the main Church of Santiago through the city. In the evening, singer Cristina Ramos will perform with the Jumilla Association of Musical Friends (AJAM) at Jardín de la Glorieta for the closing concert, bringing the Grape Harvest Festival to a fitting end. Additionally, Friday, August 21st, features other unique events, including the National Hoe Throwing Championship, a stand-up comedy contest, and a Queen tribute show.
