Festival de la Vendimia de Ica: A Celebration of Wine and Tradition
The Festival de la Vendimia de Ica is one of Perú’s most vibrant and anticipated celebrations, held annually in the city of Ica during March. This festival, dedicated to the grape harvest, honors the region’s long-standing winemaking tradition and showcases its rich cultural heritage.
At the heart of the festival are the wine and pisco tastings, where visitors can sample Ica’s finest beverages, produced in its renowned vineyards. Traditional wineries, or bodegas, open their doors to locals and tourists, offering tours and demonstrations of the winemaking process.
The festival is also famous for its colorful parades, live music, and traditional dance performances. One of the highlights is the crowning of the “Reina de la Vendimia” (Harvest Queen), a cherished tradition that symbolizes the region’s connection to its agricultural roots.
Visitors can immerse themselves in Ica’s festive spirit through activities like grape-stomping contests, a joyful nod to traditional wine production methods. The city’s streets come alive with food stalls offering regional delicacies, such as carapulcra, sopa seca, and tejas, which pair perfectly with a glass of Ica’s signature wines or piscos.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Ica’s sun-drenched valleys and vineyards, the Festival de la Vendimia is more than just a celebration—it’s an unforgettable experience of Perú’s culture, flavors, and traditions.