‘ Festa des Vermar ‘ in the wine town of Binissalem is the muddiest fiesta on the island.
Binissalem is the centre of one of the most important wine producing regions on the island. For most of the year it is a sleepy enclave but when the harvest is complete in mid September it’s time to celebrate and the town comes alive for locals and visitors.
The events stretch over two weeks and includes parades, competitions, wine tasting, but the highlight of the fiesta is the infamous Gran Batalla de Raïm (Battle of the Grapes) where the villagers and visitors throw some 10,000 kilos of grapes at each other in one of the messiest and fun events on the island. Held usually on the second weekend in September.
Sunday evening sees the Concurs de Trepitjar Raïm (Grape Treading Competition). Competitors in pairs have just 3-4 minutes to tread as much juice as possible from two sacks of grapes. Stepping into the wine barrels, they can only tread barefoot and holding each other’s shoulders. It is hilarious both to watch and to participate!
The locals cook up a storm with a huge paella sized bowl of Fideus de Vermar, a traditional dish of slow cooked lamb, spices, and fideu noodles. Festivities continue around the square with giant puppets dancing to the music of the ‘Xeremiers’ .
Free wine is served to everyone, both new wines that have just been made from the harvest and old wines from past years.
Dress accordingly and join in the fun and laughter at Festa des Vermar!
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