10 food festivals from around the world

Food festivals are a testament to the fact that food is more than taste; it speaks to the culture and tradition of the region. These events bring people together to enjoy authentic flavors that blend with local culture. Beyond that, food festivals allow people to learn about current food trends, make friends, or learn new cooking techniques.

With growing consumerism, more and more food fairs and festivals start appearing on the scene. However, there are only a few that are renowned globally due to their rich history and uniqueness. Those who are interested in knowing more about these wholesome food experiences, here is a list of ten popular food festivals around the world.

Disclaimer: The list is based on the writer's research. Please check the details from the official source before planning a trip to the following food festivals.

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From Europe to Asia, here are 10 food festivals from around the world

1) La Tomatina, Spain

2019 La Tomatina Festival - Source: Getty

Either from movies or from influencers' posts, one might have taken a glimpse of this Spanish food festival. Originating in 1945, this fun food-fight festival takes place annually in Buñol, Spain. La Tomatina falls on the last Wednesday of August, and thousands of visitors attend this festival every year.

Tons of overripe tomatoes arrive in trucks, which commences the food fight. Dripped in tomato juice and pulp, participants can be found dancing and vibing. Once the streets turn red after a tomato fight, the town hosts a fun music and food party.

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2) Tokyo Ramen Show, Japan

Japan Ramen - Source: Getty

Those who want to experience a comprehensive ramen tradition of Japan must check out this event. The festival takes place in Tokyo, spanning from late October to early November. Top Japanese ramen chefs flock here to showcase their culinary skills. People can try a variety of ramen bowls from different vendors. While the entry is free, visitors need to pay up for the bowls.

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3) Pizzafest, Italy

This, indeed, is an ideal choice for pizza lovers. The town of Naples hosts this annual pizza festival, which incidentally is the birthplace of authentic Neapolitan pizza. Pizzafest is a multi-day food festival celebrated in September every year. During the event, many pizzerias around the world set up their counters here. Pizza lovers get the opportunity to participate in competitions as well as attend workshops.

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4) Herring Festival, Denmark

Hvide Sande - Source: Getty

Started in 1994, this food festival is celebrated in Hvide Sande, Denmark, every year in April. The festivity honors the fishing tradition of the Baltic nation. Visitors can enjoy many herring dishes here. Moreover, guests can enjoy a fishing competition here along with various food tastings.

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5) Salon du Chocolat, France

Chocolate Dresses Fashion Parade in France - Source: Getty

French capital Paris celebrates this chocolate festival every year in October. Top chocolatiers from around the world showcase their confection skills in the event. One can try different pastries and other chocolate delights from the wide variety available. The center of the attraction, however, remains the chocolate fashion show, where models walk up the ramp in completely chocolate-made attires.

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6) Cheese-Rolling Festival, England

Bank Holiday Cheese Rolling Festival - Source: Getty

The British Cheese-Rolling Festival is a fusion of food and sports. The food festival is held annually at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, England. The festival falls on the Spring Bank Holiday, the last Monday of May. In this event, participants chase a 9-pound cheese wheel downhill. After the race, visitors can try locally made Double Gloucester cheese.

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7) Maslenitsa Pancake Festival, Russia

Maslenitsa Festival in Moscow - Source: Getty

Celebrated every year from late February to late March, this food festival marks the pre-Lent festivities in Russia. People can enjoy a variety of bilini (pancakes in Russian) here.

In addition to food, tourists can enjoy other activities like horse sleigh riding, puppet shows, and folk dance while enjoying the vibrant local culture. After a week-long celebration, the festival concludes with burning the effigy of the Lady Maslenitsa doll, which symbolises the end of winter.

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8) Blue food festival, Trinidad and Tobago

This event in Trinidad and Tobago celebrates dasheen, a root vegetable also known as taro, which turns blue when cooked. From ice cream to liqueurs and from dumplings to condiments, visitors can savor multiple dasheen delicacies during the festival. Apart from that, one can vibe on local reggae music and some other country-made delicacies.

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9) Melon Festival, Australia

This biennial food festival is held in Chinchilla, Australia. At this event, visitors can enjoy activities like melon skiing, melon bungee, and a seed-spitting competition. In addition to these food adventures, one can try various watermelon-based delicacies here. Bike shows, drone shows, free melon feasts, and beach parties are some other attractions of the event.

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10) Krakow Pierogi Festival, Poland

Barbie Dumplings Take Over Pierogi Festival In Poland - Source: Getty

This Polish festival is held every year in August in the city of Krakow, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the event, people can enjoy a diverse range of pierogi, a kind of dumpling. Many pierogi makers here compete to win the title of the best pierogi maker. While enjoying pierogis stuffed with various fillings, one can immerse oneself in the experience of music and folk dance.

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These are some of the top food festivals celebrated around of the world with deep-rooted heritage. Travellers and food enthusiasts can dig deeper to find various other food festivals as per their taste and geographical feasability.