Global Food Festivals for Fun Feasting
Foodies worldwide are gearing up for some of the most anticipated culinary festivals of the year. Each of these not only offers tasty bites, but also a glimpse into the cultures and communities they come from, and the opportunity to learn from the most renowned chefs in their regions. From mooncakes at China’s Mid-autumn festival to a fashion runway populated by chocolate-clad models in France to a giant omelette celebration in Louisiana, here are some of the world’s most unique food fests. Bon appetit! —Meghan gunn
01 Giant Omelette Celebration ABBEVILLE, LOUISIANA November 5-6
You’re going to want a good seat for this. Every year, a group of chefs assemble to crack 5,000 eggs, stirred up in a 12-foot skillet to become the Giant Omelette, perhaps inspired by Napoleon. Folklore says that when the general stopped near Bessieres, France, an innkeeper cooked him this eggy confection; he loved it so much that he ordered the townspeople to gather all the eggs in the village and prepare a giant omelette for his army.
03 Salon du Chocolat LYON, FRANCE November 11-13
This event is all about chocolate; sampling chocolate, learning chocolate recipes, meeting chocolate chefs and even…wearing chocolate. A main attraction is the Chocolate Fashion show, in which models dress in gowns made of confectionery treats, the joint ventures of fashion designers and chocolatiers.
02 African Food & Drinks Festival ABUJA, NIGERIA October 9
Hosted by the African Food Network, this festival brings culinary experts and food influencers together from all over the continent for a celebration of contemporary African food and culture. Check out the eating competitions, spicy food challenge, celebrity chef battles, African body art and more.
04 Oktoberfest MUNICH September 17-October 3
This annual two-week classic, started in 1810, celebrates Bavarian culture with bratwurst, giant soft pretzels and, of course, plenty of brew at dozens of beer tents. Check out the Theresienwiese fairground, with rides the whole family can enjoy; Tuesdays are official family days, when menu prices and rides are at reduced prices.
06 Cairo Bites CAIRO September 9-10
Described as “the ultimate showcase of the Egyptian food industry,” this festival serves 20,000 foodies annually. Each year, a theme is also chosen to match the vibe. This year’s: “A Taste of Egypt,” with the goal of showcasing the country’s rich blend of cultures through food.