Rabalfest returns to the historic center of Villena with its Spanish-German beer and wine festival
Next Saturday, October 3rd, the Historic Quarter of Villena will once again be filled with a festive atmosphere with a new edition of Rabalfest, a celebration that was born linked to the tradition of the grape harvest and the wine of our land and that, over the years, has become a unique Spanish-German festival in the heart of the neighborhood.
A day designed to enjoy, share, and discover the Historic Quarter from a different perspective, combining German culture and gastronomy with our local products and wines, and once again promoting the revitalization of the neighborhood, community spirit, and responsible consumption. We hope to feature iconic locations again in future editions, transporting us back in time to this area once filled with wineries and winemakers.
The Tercia courtyard, the heart of the festival
As every year, the Patio de la Tercia will be one of the main protagonists of Rabalfest and will be transformed for a few hours into a small Bavarian square, with themed decoration, traditional German music and an atmosphere designed to be enjoyed in company.
Paulaner beer, linked to Munich's traditional Oktoberfest, will be one of the stars of the day and will be accompanied by some of the best-known specialties of German gastronomy, such as sausages and pretzels.
And alongside them will be the wines of Villena, the fruit of the work of our farmers and cooperatives, because Rabalfest was born precisely to highlight our winemaking tradition and unite it with German culture in a different celebration.
The El Rabal Residents' Association wants to reinforce its commitment to responsible consumption and to festivities designed for everyone. Therefore, during Rabalfest, there will also be a selection of non-alcoholic beverages available, so that those who prefer can enjoy the celebration with options to suit all tastes.
German cuisine at affordable prices
At midday, a German-inspired menu will be offered consisting of pork knuckle, baked potatoes, salad and bread, priced at 12 euros, drinks not included.
Reservations can be made from September 24 to October 2 at the Cubic store, located at Avenida Constitución, 27, and it will also be possible to purchase tickets on Saturday morning at the Patio de la Tercia, provided they are available and until stocks run out.
An afternoon for dancing and participating
The festivities will continue in the afternoon with an event open to all ages. Starting at 5:30 p.m., the Patio de la Tercia will host a participatory Spanish and German dance workshop led by Merce. This activity is designed to encourage everyone to participate, learn some steps, and, above all, enjoy the music and the festive atmosphere.
Because Rabalfest is not intended to be just a party to watch, but a celebration to experience and share.
A very special pitcher for this year
This year there will also be a commemorative jug for those who want to take home a souvenir of the party and continue expanding their collection of previous editions.
On this occasion, the jug will have a special meaning, as it will be dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the upcoming Medieval Festival of Villena, a celebration that originated in the Historic Quarter and has become one of the great hallmarks of Villena.
A small piece to keep as a memento of a very special year and, of course, to toast together to many more years of Medieval and Rabalfest, but above all to its objective: to revitalize the Rabal neighborhood.
Are you going to take it home to add to your collection?
A day to enjoy Rabal
Rabalfest will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will continue until 1:00 a.m., with activities and events to enjoy throughout the day.
The initiative is organized by the El Rabal Neighborhood Association and the Historic Quarter Department of the Villena City Council, with the aim of continuing to bring life to the streets and spaces of the neighborhood and offering a new opportunity for residents and visitors to get closer to the heart of the Historic Quarter.
A festival that unites two cultures, but maintains as its starting and ending point the neighborhood itself: the Rabal, its streets, its neighbors, its traditions and its desire to continue creating life in the Historic Quarter.