An Ode to Joy | Weird , Wild , Wonderful Festivals
La Batalla del Vino
Haro , Spain
Henley on Todd Regatta Alice Springs , Australia Banish any overly serious ideas you have about preppy and pristine regattas , because this Australian festival will literally leave your summer whites in the dust . If you remember the cars from the Flintstones , then you ’ ll have a good idea of what these races look like as competitors run ( not row ) a truly ridiculous and splendid array of boats through dry riverbed that was once the Todd River . Pirate ships , Viking ships and bathtubs masquerading as ships kick up clouds of sun-drenched dust as they move slightly faster than a three-legged race toward the finish line .
If you plan to spectate , prepare to rub shoulders with high-spirited , costumed locals and to get soaked … yes , with water . Because the festival culminates in a Mad-Max style battle with trucks-asboats that are armed with cannons filled with water and flour bombs . Rumor has it that not even the competition judges can escape the water and flour tidal wave and sometimes are not sure who has even won . You may end the day looking like a piece of wet dough , but you ’ ll be laughing all the way .
La Batalla del Vino Haro , Spain It ’ s known by several different names , but the outcome of this festival is the same … total wine-drenching pandemonium . The “ wine bath ” is the jubilant ( and fragrant ) end note of this Spanish festival that celebrates the Rioja region ’ s magnificent wines and their importance to the local economy . For the first two days , festivalgoers ramp up the celebration with musical performances , food and drinks ( aka : wine ) and even a Catholic Mass . On the third day of the festival , dignified activities give way to controlled chaos as tourists and locals hike up into the hills to the Hermitage of San Felices and prepare for battle . If you ’ re a serious wine connoisseur , La Batalla del Vino may leave you feeling appalled as Riojas , chardonnays and an occasional Gewürztraminer are flung from buckets , jugs and water pistols , mingling while airborne , and dousing thousands of gleeful participants . Come to the battle dressed in all white , leave in shades of glorious grape with a side of smiles .
In a world where there ’ s so much to be serious about , these quirky and offbeat festivals provide a welcome relief , and you will find them nearly anywhere you travel . So loosen up those shoulders , put down the fractions , take a deep breath and add a fun and offbeat festival to your next travel adventure . And prepare for contagious joy .
4 · ESCAPE Summer 2024