Iznate transformed into the festive and gastronomic epicenter of the Axarquía and the province of Málaga during the celebration of the XXVI edition of the Muscat Grape Day. The event, a well-established fixture, brought together residents and visitors in the town's historic center.
From the opening of the artisan products market, the town's streets filled with a contagious festive atmosphere, enlivened by street bands and music groups, turning every corner into an open-air party.
The festival also serves as a tribute to the ancestral cultivation of the Alexandria muscat grape, recognized by FAO as a Globally Important Heritage Agricultural System (GIAHS). Its unique ripening conditions and versatility make it fundamental for the production of raisins and sweet and dry wines from the region. The harvest is done manually due to the steep terrain.
Residents like Marina Padilla, 71, highlighted the day's importance for families who depend on this crop, offering free grapes and wine to showcase the quality of local products.
The gastronomic route featured free tastings of typical dishes such as ajoblanco, gazpacho, salads, traditional pork dishes, and sweets, accompanied by muscat wine and freshly cut grape bunches.
Visitors from outside the autonomous community, such as the Extremaduran couple Jorge Pérez and María Jesús Saavedra, who have attended five times, emphasized the event's fame and their connection to the land.
The day included the presentation of the 2026 Moscatel Awards, recognizing efforts in favor of the region and gastronomic culture. The festivities continued with musical performances, including a tribute to the group Mecano and a DJ set.
The XXVI edition reaffirmed the muscat grape as the engine and pride of Iznate, concluding a successful day that already looks forward to next year's harvest.
