Wine Battle – Spanish town gets soaked in sweet red liquid
Thousands of people, mostly youth, visit the small Spanish town of Haro every year to get drenched in red wine. But there are rules for those taking part: they must wear white, and they can't stop having fun.
La Batalla del Vino de Haro
Each year between June 27 and 30, thousands of locals and tourists participate in the annual Wine Battle in Spain's Rioja wine-growing region. The event is known around the area as La Batalla del Vino de Haro, or the Wine Battle of Haro.
Festival and economy
Haro is one of the most important wine producers in the region. Up to 40% of La Rioja's vineyards are located in the town. The area is completely devoted to producing wine, which contributes majorly to its economy.
Cover thy neighbor!
People throw wine at each other, with organizers saying the aim is to "cover your neighbor in wine as quickly and completely as you can." Participants may use wine-filled water pistols, garden sprays or buckets and party until the 70,000 liters (15,397 imperial gallons) of free wine run out.
Party all night!
The wine fight starts on the eve of June 28. The whole town of Haro gathers on the streets, from children to grandparents. They party all night in the picturesque Spanish squares.
You can't stop laughing
One of the wine battle rules is that at no point during the fight can participants stop laughing and singing. The fight continues with traditional Spanish dances.
A popular tourist attraction
The event is held to celebrate St. Peter and La Rioja's plentiful wine output. Tourists from as far away as Australia participate in the popular fiesta.