Logroño turns its attention to San Mateo Monday: on 21 September 2026, the traditional Pisado de la Uva and the offering of the first must to the Virgen de Valvanera form the heart of the festival day. The ceremony is scheduled for late morning or midday at the Paseo del Espolón as announced by the Logroño City Council and regional media. An evening concert by the pop band Maldita Nerea on Plaza del Ayuntamiento. There will also be a fireworks display at 11pm in the Parque de La Ribera is planned.
Monday is regarded as the high point of the Fiestas de San Mateo 2026 in the capital of La Rioja. The day’s programme begins in the morning with traditional dianas and food tastings organised by local peñas. Further tastings and competitions are planned throughout the day in the city centre, including the decades-old Sarmiento vine grilling event. At lunchtime, the Pisado de la Uva takes place on the Paseo del Espolón, where representatives of the region symbolically tread grapes and bless the first must for the Virgen de Valvanera. In the evening, concerts at several venues round off the programme, including performances at the Parrilla in the Plaza del Parlamento.
The city says that events are spread widely across the centre to ease visitor flows. In addition to Monday’s fireworks, an international fireworks competition is planned in Parque de La Ribera on several festival days. Programme notices specify the time and location of each event; changes are possible and will be communicated by the city council.
Background: The Fiestas de San Mateo traditionally mark the start of the grape harvest in La Rioja and bring together religious, social and tourist elements. The Pisado de la Uva is regarded as a symbol of the region’s wine-growing culture, while popular concerts and food offerings appeal to a wide audience. The organisers note that some details – such as performers and times – may vary depending on the stage location. Notices posted locally by the Ayuntamiento de Logroño are authoritative.
Forecasts of visitor numbers or traffic volumes were not officially quantified in advance. Organisational measures at the main squares include barriers and temporary systems for directing visitor flows. Visitors are asked to arrive in good time and use the designated entrances to stages and squares.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).