The Grape Harvest is the most popular festival in Mendoza (map) and the country. In this province located in the Cuyo area, the grape harvest celebrations are part of the popular folklore. They summon winegrowers, winemakers and all those who work the land year round taking care of the vines and introduce them to the rest of society.

Each of the 18 departments in Mendoza Province prepare for the festival in the early months of the year. The main event occurs in the first week of March in Mendoza city featuring hundreds of dancers and performers, the selection of a “Reina Nacional de la Vendimia” (National Vendimia Queen) and a large fireworks display.

The Blessing of the Fruit event officially inaugurates the grape harvest celebrations in Mendoza. During the first harvests, peasants used to thank the saints for the good crops. This act used to be held inside each winery. It became a custom. The Carrodilla Virgin was chosen by the peasants. Ever since, the Blessing of the Fruit has become part of the official celebrations.

As the sun sets and it starts to get dark, one of the most important traditions in the Grape Harvest celebration is about to begin: the Queens’ White Way. This is the moment people from all the departments in the province of Mendoza look forward to. They are equipped with signs and banners to welcome their queens and princesses.

The next day, the Carrousel is one of the essential components of the Grape Harvest celebrations. It is then when the people of Mendoza, along with tourists from all over the world, may enjoy the daytime queen parade, without make up.

The various carriages representing each department with their queens and princesses parade along the main streets in town. As they pass by, the girls salute and thank the cheering crowd. Each “reina” represents her region with decorative costumes and chariots accompanied by the previous queen she’s replacing. The “Via Blanca de las Reinas” is accessible from the streets, but tickets are available to the Park Hyatt terrace for a posh viewing party with wine and tapas included.

When the first night of celebrations arrives, the opening ceremony and the National Grape Harvest Queen election are held at the Romero Day Greek Theater.

Thousands and thousands of visitors attend this event every year to enjoy a majestic and unique show in the world.

Buses, known as “colectivos” or “micros,” are the primary mode of transportation for both short and long distances within Argentina.

mendotran.com.ar – Map of bus routes around the city.

The large bus terminal is about 2 km east of the city centre. Taxis and remis (private taxis) are readily available, or it’s a 15-minute walk (not recommended at night, the area between it and the centre borders on the red light district).

BUS: Empresa Argentina (Destinations & routes) / Andesmar (Destinations & routes) / Flecha Bus (Destinations & routes) / Via Bariloche (Destinations & routes) / El Rapido Internacional (Destinations & routes) / Plusmar (Destinations & routes).

Online ticket: ticketonline.com.ar / plataforma10.com.ar / centraldepasajes.com.ar / voyenbus.com /

TRAIN: One of the major long distance train operators is Trenes Argentinos. Argentina has a limited train network, but it is expanding in some regions. The long-distance train service “Tren a las Nubes” is famous for its scenic journey in the northwestern region of the country. The Tren Patagónico operates in the southern part of Argentina.

AIRPORT: aa2000.com.ar – information about all airports in Argentina.

FERRY: Buquebus (Buenos Aires, Argentina ⇔ Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo, Uruguay). Colonia Express (Buenos Aires ⇔ Colonia). Seacat Colonia (Buenos Aires ⇔ Colonia). Cacciola / Líneas Delta (Tigre ⇔ Carmelo ⇔ Nueva Palmira, Uruguay). Grimaldi Freighters

Canal Oficial del Ministerio de Cultura y Turismo de la provincia de Mendoza.

⇒ video source: Turismo Mendoza / youtube.com /

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