Located just 57 kilometers from the city of São Paulo, Jundiaí relives its deepest roots during the 41st Grape Festival and 12th Wine Expo: the Grape Stomping. More than just a tourist activity, the event represents a reunion with the history and memory of the Italian ancestors who helped build the city.
As they climbed onto the wooden tubs in front of the Niagara Rosada Grape Stage in Jundiahy, Visitors relive the manual labor of the first settlers. The touch of their feet on the fruit evokes the daily life of the... "nonnos", who transformed the harvest into sustenance and celebration with artisanal wine.
The experience transcends geographical and emotional boundaries. Retired Conceição Cunha traveled the distance between Recife and Jundiaí to fulfill her wish to participate in the event. For her, experiencing this agricultural practice was the realization of a dream filled with emotion.
“I love this festival, it was a dream. Now I'm living this opportunity. I retired and decided to come, even though it's far away. I came with my daughter and I'm getting to know this tradition of the farmers. For me, it's been wonderful. I'm very emotional,” she told the newspaper. Jundiaí Tribune.
The feeling of belonging also touches those who come from nearby urban centers. Wagner Cristiano da Silva, a resident of São Paulo, brought his family to witness the historical restoration. He described the activity as a unique opportunity to understand the essence of working in the countryside.
“For the first time in my life, I’m going to learn what grape treading is, a tradition of the farmers. It’s very exciting to witness all of this. It’s incredibly emotional,” said Wagner, visibly moved while participating in the activity.
Amanda Joaquim, a winemaker and resident of the traditional Traviú neighborhood, has been a guardian of this custom for eight years. For those who live off the land, helping the public with grape treading is a way to honor their family heritage and keep the legacy of immigration alive for new generations. “It’s always exciting. We show our traditions and a little bit of our daily lives to people,” Amanda emphasized.
According to Marcela Moro, Secretary of Agribusiness, Supply and Tourism (SMAAT)The grape stomping is the ultimate symbol of Jundiaí's identity. The secretary states that the activity values the effort of the producing families and reinforces the cultural ties that define the municipality.
A Grape Treading "It symbolizes the history of Jundiaí and the strength of our agriculture. It's an experience that connects generations, moves visitors, and reinforces the fundamental role of farming families in building our city," he stated.
The grape stomping sessions take place every Saturday and Sunday at 14:30 PM. The event invites the public to slow down and honor, through this symbolic gesture, the strength and persistence of the Italian immigrants who transformed the region.
The festival began on the 16th and continues on the 23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th and 31st of January, as well as the 1st, 6th, 7th and 8th of February.
