The city of Toro in Zamora hosts the Fall Harvest Party every October. The main star in this celebration is the wine from Toro, where the Control Board for the Toro Designation of Origin is precisely located.
Historically the landsmen started the harvesting with their own carriages and horses and stayed at the lord’s estate, caves or wineries till the end of the harvest period.
Therefore they should set up all necessary supplies as source of livelihood during the two weeks the harvesting usually stood. After the working day, the farmers got close to the fire and enjoyed an improvised music fest from stew covers, anisette bottles and several audacious chants and dances.
They then came back home after harvesting, taking their big carriages full of grapes.
The last carriage took ‘El Ramo’ (The bunch) as the symbol of the happy end of the harvest. A big party took place afterwards with several tasty assortments especially for the occasion.
This is the reason the Party is still live on these days, for bringing back those memories of their ancestors connected to the Harvest. The party dates back to 1972 right after the harvesting period when the city council decided to arrange a set of functions related to wine.
The Carriage Parade stands out among the most significant ones. Around 50 old carriages pulled by donkeys participate in this act. The local landsmen wear the historic country clothing whereas the women dress in the regional costumes.
As they usually do when going to the harvest, carriages also take some traditional country supplies such as: bread, rashers, lunch meat, omelette and the well-known red wine from Toro.
The act is boosted with music and traditional dances by the local folk groups that have come to the city.
The celebration is completed at Plaza Mayor, being crowded with people enjoying the fest and the starring product: the wine.