The town of Rodríguez is preparing to celebrate a milestone of viticulture and community identity as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Fiesta de la Uva y el Vino. This long-standing tradition, which blends agricultural heritage with local artistry, is scheduled to seize place from Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 12. The festivities will be centered in the city’s municipal park, offering free admission to all visitors.
The announcement came during a press conference held this Tuesday at the Espacio Cultural San José. The event’s organizational framework was detailed by a commission including Javier Verdino, Fernando Bértola and Magdalena Pastorino, alongside Jorge Gutiérrez Pérez, the general director of Culture and Education. Together, they outlined a three-day itinerary designed to attract both residents and tourists to the region’s grape and wine celebrations.
For three decades, this festival has served as more than just a seasonal gathering; it is a reflection of the region’s agrarian roots and the persistence of traditional winemaking. By integrating educational components, such as historical lectures and production demonstrations, the 30a Fiesta de la Uva y el Vino de Rodríguez seeks to bridge the gap between the town’s historical identity and its modern community.
A Blend of Tradition and Youth Engagement
The celebrations begin on Friday, April 10, with a focus on the next generation. At the Salón Versalles, the event “La Cocina está de Fiesta Kids” will kick off at 20:00. This cooking competition is specifically designed for children aged 5 to 12, ensuring that the spirit of gastronomy is passed down to the youth of Rodríguez.
As the festival moves into Saturday, April 11, the focus shifts to the Parque Municipal, where the intersection of mechanical nostalgia and rustic art takes center stage. Starting at 10:00, the “Túnel del Tiempo” will feature the registration and exhibition of classic cars, running parallel to live chainsaw wood carving demonstrations. These activities highlight the diverse artisanal skills present within the community, moving from the precision of vintage automotive restoration to the raw creativity of wood sculpture.
Educational outreach remains a pillar of the weekend. At 12:00 on Saturday, visitors can attend a demonstration of the winemaking process and a lecture by Professor Pablo Rivero, who will provide a historical perspective on the festival’s evolution over the last 30 years. This intellectual grounding is followed by the “Periconazo” at 12:30, a celebration of the Pericón, Uruguay’s national dance, which underscores the event’s commitment to national folklore.
The Vendimia Experience and Community Rituals
One of the most anticipated elements of the festival is the interactive tasting experience. Under the slogan “Traiga su vaso y beba su vino” (Bring your glass and drink your wine), the event encourages a sustainable, community-led approach to tasting. This initiative will be integrated into the street parades and static exhibitions on both Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
The schedule for the weekend is dense with cultural performances and community competitions. On Saturday, the afternoon features a “gincana” (scavenger hunt/obstacle course) and a performance by “El Cuarteto del Amor,” leading into a city-wide parade at 16:30. The evening transitions into a concert series on the main stage, featuring acts such as Carlos Torterolo, Ballet Folclórico Sangre Oriental, and the group La Penúltima.
Sunday, April 12, begins with a spiritual communal gathering, the “Misa campal” at 09:00, before returning to the practicalities of the vineyard. Another winemaking demonstration is scheduled for 11:00, followed by a performance from the Amanecer Folclórico dance group. The day’s competitive spirit is highlighted by the “Tu pareja vale vino” race at 12:00, a playful nod to the central role of the grape in the region’s economy.
Event Schedule Overview
| Day | Key Activity | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 10 | Kids Cooking Contest | 20:00 | Salón Versalles |
| Saturday 11 | Classic Car Exhibition | 10:00 | Parque Municipal |
| Saturday 11 | History Lecture (Prof. Rivero) | 12:00 | Parque Municipal |
| Sunday 12 | Desfile de la Vendimia | 15:30 | City Streets |
| Sunday 12 | Closing Concerts | 19:00+ | Main Stage |
Cultural Impact and Regional Significance
The 30a Fiesta de la Uva y el Vino de Rodríguez represents a significant investment in local tourism and cultural preservation. By utilizing the municipal park as a central hub, the organizers are leveraging public space to foster social cohesion. The inclusion of multiple folklore groups, such as Ballet Folklórico El Retoño and Polkeros del Yi, ensures that the event remains rooted in the rhythmic and musical traditions of the interior.
From a logistical standpoint, the “Desfile de la Vendimia” (Harvest Parade) on Sunday at 15:30 serves as the festival’s emotional peak. This parade is not merely a procession but a public acknowledgement of the labor involved in the grape harvest, which is the backbone of the local wine industry. The subsequent evening concert, featuring artists like Chacho Ramos and Sonido Cristal, marks the transition from the agricultural celebration to a community party.
The coordination between the Department of Culture and Education and the organizing commission suggests a strategic effort to maintain the festival’s quality as it enters its fourth decade. By keeping the event free of charge, the organizers ensure that the celebration remains accessible to all socio-economic sectors of the population, reinforcing the festival’s role as a democratic space for cultural expression.
As the town moves toward the April dates, the next phase of preparation involves the final coordination of street closures for the parades and the finalization of the tasting logistics. Local authorities are expected to provide further updates on traffic diversions and safety protocols as the date approaches.
We invite you to share your memories of past festivals or your expectations for this 30th anniversary in the comments below.
