The 2018 Grape Harvest, a Tradition-filled Festival

During the first week of March one of the most important celebrations in the country takes place: The International Harvest Festival of Ica. Throughout this period, our neighbors to the south carry out innumerable activities that honor the grapevine, the plant that produces the most famous grapes within the region. These grapes are used to produce Peru’s famous wine, cachina, and pisco.

Peruvians and foreigners alike join together to visit the most important wineries in the region so that they can see how the juice is extracted from the grapes that have been picked from their vines. Visitors also have the chance to witness traditional grape stomping, an activity that encompasses the region’s winemaking tradition.

Lots of Tradition

This festival in Ica event goes far beyond wine events—it is a cultural festival that brings together beauty, dance, music, and celebration. The event is known for organizing traditional dance contests, parades, extreme sports competitions (in the Huacachina sand dunes), beauty contests, etc.

Gastronomic Events

The organizers of the International Harvest Festival hold contests and fairs that feature the true professionals of wine and pisco making. These events also highlight Peruvian gastronomy, as chefs offer delicious traditional dishes at their stands.

The Queen of the Festival

Another one of the most representative activities of the event is choosing the Queen of the International Harvest Festival of Ica. The selected woman must stomp on the grapes as a sign of respect for the winemaking traditions of the region. The winner also holds the most important place in the final parade, where she hands out bunches of grapes to all the event’s attendees.

A Festive Parade

The parade is a wonderful event in which the youth of the region comes together to march and celebrate their culture. The participants march to the rhythm of catchy beats that are native to the region and that strengthen their musical identity.

For the Little Ones

This celebration is also a fun event for children. During the celebration of the International Harvest Festival of Ica children’s shows are put on for all to enjoy. The night closes with awe-inspiring fireworks for the whole family to watch.

For those wishing to participate in all the activities that the Harvest Festival of Ica has to offer, there is no better place to stay than the Viñas Queirolo Hotel. This accommodation is perfect because it has ideal spaces for the whole family. It is also located only a few minutes from the center of Ica and has top-notch service and facilities. Most importantly, it is the only hotel in Peru located in the middle of a vineyard, so the hotel is well aware of the importance of this festival.