Manilva gets ready to stomp the grapes as Vendimia fiesta returns this weekend

Manilva is about to raise a glass to its winemaking heritage this weekend when the Vendimia returns on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6.

Celebrating the end of the grape harvest, the fiesta is one of the Costa del Sol’s most distinctive events. Manilva’s town hall says the daytime fair has formed part of the festivities since 1983.

Saturday’s schedule begins at 7.30pm with a Mass honouring Nuestra Señora de los Dolores at Santa Ana Church. A procession will then head to Calle Mar for the offering of grapes, accompanied by a brass band. Growers will also compete for the prize for the heaviest bunch of grapes, a harvest tradition.

Music takes over from 10.30pm, with the ever-popular Latidos and Orquesta New Velada performing in Calle Mar. DJs Becerra, Pablo Drazza and Pájaro will keep the party going in Plaza de la Vendimia, followed at 2.30am by Santo Perreo and DJ Tony Toba.

Sunday is the big day in Manilva

Sunday’s ‘Domingo Rociero’ is the main day of the Vendimia and has been declared a Fiesta de Singularidad Turística Provincial, drawing thousands each year to one of the few places to keep this tradition alive.

Wine and grapes will be available to taste, while visitors can enjoy local treats. The daytime fair opens in Calle Mar at 1pm, followed by a horsemen’s parade organised with the Peña Caballista de Manilva.

There will be live music from Latidos, Orquesta New Velada and Compás Flamenco will continue from 2pm, with DJs taking over Plaza de la Vendimia from 4pm.

At 7pm, a well-known Manilva tradition takes place: the “pisa de uva” (grape treading), when grapes are trodden to extract the first must of the season. Visitors can then taste the first juice produced from the harvest.

Manilva’s Vendimia offers something different from the usual Costa del Sol party, putting vineyards, grapes and wine at the centre of a weekend of Andalusian tradition and entertainment.