Food festivals have become a significant celebration of culture and culinary innovation. At iBestTravel, we explore some of the most unusual food festivals that every hardcore food lover should consider attending.
Salon de Chocolate (Quito, Ecuador)
Porridge — and skirts for men, obviously — is what made Scotland great. Not to be enjoyed while sitting down, if it’s to be enjoyed at all.
Hokitika Wildfood Festival (New Zealand)
It takes cojones to try some of the dishes on offer at this celebration of the planet’s more unusual foodstuffs.
Onion Market (Bern, Switzerland)
Probably not the ideal choice for a first date. Unless Bern announces an annual mouthwash festival to run alongside.
St. Albans Watercress Festival (England)
The only place in England where this kind of thing is considered good manners.
Bacon Fest (USA)
The Boss Hog of pork-related revels, this January event explores everything culinarily conceivable with pigs.
Blue Food Festival (Dominica)
Why so blue? Because it contains dasheen, a variety of taro that turns that color when cooked.
Poutine Festival (Ottawa, Canada)
Fries, gravy and cheese curds. Doesn’t look great, but 35 million Canadians can’t be wrong.
Chestnut Festival (Ardeche, France)
Ardeche is France’s biggest producer of chestnuts, a status it celebrates with this annual festival.
Duanwu Festival (China)
Zongzi dumplings consumed on this day in June consist of glutinous rice with varied fillings.
Cherry Festival (USA)
This week-long cherry celebration in July offers pit-spitting competitions, pie-baking contests, a Grand Cherry Parade and the crowning of a Cherry Queen.
Pizza Village (Naples, Italy)
At least 50 different types of pizza are available. Possibly even with anchovies.
Thaipusam Festival (Malaysia)
The only meat being skewered here is human, thanks to graphic displays of piercing and other unusual displays of devotion at this festival with animal-friendly catering.
Conclusion
In summary, food festivals not only delight the taste buds but also offer a unique glimpse into different cultures. Events like the Salon de Chocolate and the Hokitika Wildfood Festival cultivate a love for adventurous eating. Make it a point to experience these culinary celebrations to truly appreciate the flavors of the world.
