Jornadas Vino y Bautismo Cervantino en Alcázar de San Juan

Introduction and local significance

The Jornadas Vino y Bautismo Cervantino en Alcázar de San Juan celebrate their thirteenth edition from 6 to 15 November 2026 in this municipality in Ciudad Real. This festive event highlights local winemaking tradition and the city's historical connection to Miguel de Cervantes. The celebration coincides with World Wine Tourism Day on 8 November, and with 9 November, the date of the writer's baptismal record preserved in the parish church of Santa María la Mayor.

Historical origins and tradition

The foundation of this festivity rests on the baptismal document kept in the church of Santa María la Mayor. Within the Jornadas Vino y Bautismo Cervantino en Alcázar de San Juan, tradition unites La Mancha's literary heritage with winemaking in local wineries.

This edition includes the 3rd International Congress 'Cervantes y El Quijote desde Alcázar de San Juan', held on 6 and 7 November as a posthumous tribute to Enrique Suárez Figaredo. This academic gathering brings together national and international specialists in the Noble Hall of the Town Hall and at the Museo Casa del Hidalgo.

Programme and main events

The programme brings together cultural activities, heritage routes and outdoor events listed in the official programme at the beginning of this profile. Among the standout events is the Cervantine Parade on 8 November, where ruffs are given to children and the La Sonrisa del Quijote Innkeepers Association distributes the traditional 'puñao' (roasted wheat) to those carrying a copy of Don Quixote.

The music and leisure schedule includes the 'In Vino Cantus' concert by the Voces Doradas group on 13 November at the Museo Casa del Hidalgo. On the afternoon of Saturday 14 November, Sunset Wine is celebrated around the windmills. In addition, the municipal archaeologist guides visits to the Puentes del Gran Prior and the archaeological site of Piédrola, activities complemented by the 'A toast to history' itinerary and the dramatised tour by the Cervantes Society.

Traditional festival food

Local wine and traditional cuisine are the central elements of the gastronomy section during these days:

• Guided wine tastings at Bodegas La Tercia and the Museo FORMMA hosted by the DCOOP-BACO cooperative.
• A session dedicated to new wines at the Cooperativa La Unión, in collaboration with the Alcázar Atheneum and the Cigüela Association.
• Tasting of wines and traditional La Mancha food at the Cooperativa San Lorenzo in Alameda de Cervera.

Visitor guide and where to stay

Registration for guided itineraries and activities with limited capacity is done at the Alcázar de San Juan Tourist Office, in person, by phone at 926552968 or by email at oficinaturismoalcazar@gmail.com. During times of highest attendance, it is recommended to opt for public transport or leave your vehicle parked outside the historic centre.

To attend the events, it is advisable to book accommodation well in advance. Staying in the city itself or in nearby towns allows you to attend afternoon and evening events comfortably. Before attending each event, it is advisable to check the times in the official programme.