Cómpeta               

................Cómpeta is also famous for it´s wine, which is made from moscatel grapes. During July and the beginning of August the hills are green with this beautiful fruit. One of the local festivals I alluded to is "La noche del vino"   (" the night of the wine") ,  which is held every August 15th. This involves a lot of Dancing, singing and the consumption of copious amounts of free sweet Cómpeta wine and migas. (fried breadcrumbs, served  with grapes & salt cod (bacalao). When queuing for this, it is amazing how many friends you make!...............

Noche del vino (night of the wine) is celebrated annually on the15th August. It is a tradition that started a very long time ago and originated out of the need for the winegrowers to leave their homes for several weeks while harvesting their grapes. All the families used to get together for a celebration feast prior to their journey.

These days, due to the onset of transportation, it is no longer necessary for the growers  to leave their homes for any length of time, although some stay in their fincas during the week. As a result, during this time, in the campo, more lights can be seen at night.

The ayuntamiento (town hall) have now adopted this day, (to keep up the tradition and also to encourage tourism) They finance the cost of the fiesta. and free wine, migas and grapes are available for all).

Celebrations start in the morning (at about 11am), but in keeping with Spanish tradition, the time is fluid,  with a procession  of local winegrowers carrying baskets of grapes, announced by our local band, there is then a demonstration of grape treading.  

To continue the festivities there is a display of local dancing by the youngsters of the village, ranging in ages from as young as 5yrs up to their late teens. This is then followed by a disco fronted by our local priest (who doubles as a DJ) our priest is brilliant and liked by all ages.

The fiesta appears to be growing in stature with more and more visitors, and last year 2006, there was a local artisan market, which no doubt will increase in size as time passes.

The main square is reserved for the evening celebrations, which start at about 11pm and go on to the early hours. During the previous week a brick wall is built (effectively closing off the square to traffic) to support the stage, and seats are laid out in the square itself.

At the start of the evening there is a prize giving and speeches, followed by traditional dancing, singing, guitarists and flamenco. It is a wonderful day and for those who have the stamina, a memorable night. Oh and by the way, there is more free wine available !.   

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