The Fiesta del Mosto in Atajate, a picturesque municipality in the province of Malaga, celebrates the region’s wine-growing roots every year. This event takes place on the last Saturday in November and has established itself as one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in the region, attracting both locals and tourists from other parts of Spain.
More than a wine festival, it is an encounter with the history and traditions that define this corner of Malaga. Over time, the festival has managed to maintain its original essence, inviting visitors to enjoy a unique experience. It is the perfect event to disconnect and get to know the Andalusian culture.
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What is Mosto and why is it so special?
For those who don’t know, must is the first juice extracted when the grapes are pressed. It is characterised by being a young and sweet wine, as it has barely had time to ferment. Its fresh taste and low alcohol content make it an ideal drink to enjoy with the family. In Andalusia, the must culture is rich and varied, as many regions produce versions of this drink during the autumn, offering a unique tasting experience that varies according to the locality.
The Fiesta del Mosto began about 20 years ago as a tribute to this drink and to Atajate’s wine-making history. At the festival, the villagers donate part of the must they themselves have made, and distribute it free of charge among the attendees. This tradition reflects the generosity and community spirit of the village. In fact, it has been declared a Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest, in recognition of its great cultural and tourist value.
Enjoy the Fiesta
The Fiesta del Mosto in Atajate begins in the village square, which becomes the epicentre of the festivities with live music and a variety of activities to suit all tastes. The verbena, an essential component of the event, allows attendees to dance to the rhythm of traditional music while enjoying the first glasses of must. The square is filled with tables and tents where visitors toast to the good harvest and wine culture.
Here are some of the activities you can enjoy during the festival:
Tasting of artisan must
The artisan must is the undisputed protagonist of the celebration. The inhabitants of Atajate contribute with their harvest, donating the freshly bottled must in demijohns. This generous tradition allows everyone to taste a fresh and authentic product, which preserves the flavour of the old vineyards of the region. In addition, the most experienced winemakers often share their knowledge of the winemaking process, making the experience even more enriching.
Local produce markets
In addition to the must, you can explore markets offering typical products of the Serranía de Ronda, such as sausages, cheeses, honey and handicrafts. These products reflect the rich gastronomy of the area and are perfect for taking a piece of local culture home with you. At the markets, visitors can also find unique handmade souvenirs, such as ceramics and textiles, which capture the essence of rural Andalusian life.
Music and dance
The party is filled with live flamenco music, which invites the audience to join in the dancing. The flamenco groups, regulars in the programme, create a great atmosphere typical of Andalusia. Guitars, palmas and cantaores fill the square with a very recognisable sound creating a typical Andalusian atmosphere.
Guided tours and routes through the vineyards
Many travellers take the opportunity to go on guided tours of the region’s vineyards, where they can get a close-up look at the wine production process and learn about traditional wine-growing methods. These visits are ideal for oenology lovers, as they allow them to see first-hand the techniques used in the region’s viticulture. At the end of the visit, visitors have the opportunity to taste different types of wine and, of course, to buy the ones they like best.
Try other local drinks and food
Although the must is the main protagonist, don’t miss the opportunity to taste other local products, such as sausages and cheeses from the Serranía de Ronda. In addition, during the festival typical dishes are prepared that reflect the rich gastronomy of Malaga, such as gazpacho, migas and homemade sausages. The dishes are made with fresh, local produce and offer an authentic taste of the region’s rural cuisine. Tastings of other Andalusian wines, such as finos and manzanillas, which are perfect to accompany the typical dishes, are also often prepared during the festival.
The charm of the Serranía de Ronda
Visiting Atajate for the Fiesta del Mosto is an excellent excuse to explore the Serranía de Ronda. This mountainous landscape offers hiking trails and natural landscapes of great beauty. From Atajate, you can make excursions to nearby villages such as Ronda, Jubrique or Gaucín, each with its own rich history and architecture.
The landscapes of the area, characterised by green hills and rugged mountains, are perfect for those who enjoy photography and contact with nature. In addition, Ronda, which is only a few minutes’ drive away, offers some of the most impressive scenery in Andalusia, with its famous Puente Nuevo bridge and narrow alleyways steeped in history.
The Fiesta del Mosto is a unique opportunity to get to know one of the most authentic regions of Malaga and get ready to enjoy an experience where tradition, wine and culture meet in an incomparable setting!
