The Wine Battle, an annual wine event that takes place in Haro, in La Rioja is held on the 29th of June. Its origin is based on a historic land dispute and over time has evolved into a folkloric wine party. The event begins with a procession led by the mayor on horseback who leads attendees to a mass. The dress code is white shirt (all the better to get soaked with red wine after) and red scarves, and various containers with wine. After the mass the battle begins and people spray each other with wine, from their wineskins (botas), jugs and containers. Within a short time, the streets of Haro fill with red wine stained revelers. Following the wine battle, the crowd hits the bullring and do a small scale running of the bulls. A big Spanish lunch wraps up the day with local specialties like baby lamb chops roasted over grape vines, red Piquillo peppers and of course rich red wines from La Rioja.
