Stellenbosch Prepares for Colorful Harvest Parade

Stellenbosch, a renowned Winelands town, is getting ready to host its annual harvest parade this weekend. The town will come alive with vibrant colors and festive spirit as marching bands, minstrels, farmers, winemakers, and workers take to the streets on beautifully decorated floats, trucks, and tractors. The parade is an ancient tradition that expresses gratitude for past harvests and seeks blessings for the upcoming one.

South Africa has a rich wine history with a total of 365 wine grape harvests. The country’s wine industry officially began in 1659, making it the only nation able to pinpoint the exact start of its wine production. Elmarie Rabe, the manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes, explains that the parade not only symbolizes the significance of the harvest but also brings the wine story to life for both locals and visitors who ultimately enjoy the wines in various establishments.

The parade will commence at 09:00 from the Toy and Miniature Museum on Market Street. It will make its way along Alexander, Bird, Church, and Plein Streets before reaching the town hall at 09:30 for the official blessing of the harvest. Once the ceremony concludes, the procession will return along the same route to its starting point.

For more information, please email [email protected] or call 021 886 4310. To learn more about Stellenbosch’s food, wine, history, and culture, visit www.wineroute.co.za or www.visitstellenbosch.org.