Food Festivals in Europe

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by Juliet Davis

Every year around the world local delicacies and cuisines are celebrated! Heading to Europe? Then join in one of these which represent just a small taste of what is on offer…

Every May, for the past 21 years the village of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (the starting point for our leisurely walking holiday through the Villages of the Dordogne) holds its annual Strawberry Festival in May – La Fête de la Fraise.

Creysse, starting point for another fine walk through the timeless scenery of the Dordogne. Follow winding Paths to Rocamadour and arrive on Whit Sunday (27 May) and you can participate in this remarkable town’s annual Cheese Festival, which celebrates the ‘Cabecou de Rocamadour’ AOC goats’ cheese.

Nougat is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sardinia, but visit during Easter and you’ll have the chance to join in the Sardinian Nougat Festival hosted by the town of Nouro, a few kilometres north of your hotel in Oliena, in Sardinia’s Dramatic North. This colourful festival celebrates the culture and customs of Sardinia, offering the chance to sample a variety of traditional sweets, while being entertained by local bands performing the authentic music of this fascinating island.

Greve in Chianti is a town in the province of Florence, Tuscany, Italy. Chianti Classico Wine Festival is held every year on second weekend of September and the preceding Thursday and Friday. Local merchants display their products, and wine tasting is offered for free. Olive Oil and local cheese is also available for tasting, served on fresh sliced Italian bread. Juliet says.. Greve is home to some of our favourite Tuscan villas, so you will be in the perfect spot to enjoy the wine festival.

In the fishing community of O Grove, Galacia on Spain’s Western coast, seafood is a huge part of daily life. Head over in October for the Annual Seafood Festival, where 200,000 people join together to sample the pink meat of the nécora, (local crab) and stroll through the many stalls which have given the town a legendary name. See competitors for the lobster and turbot competitions, and smell the steaming clams and saffron muscles.

Remember the good ‘ol days running around the garden armed with a water pistol trying to soak your opponent? Well, let us acquaint you with this adult version. On St Pedro’s Day in Haro, La Rioja, northern Spain’s wine producing region, thousands of people take to the hills with water pistols loaded with red wine.

A relative new comer to the Spanish festival scene, La Tomatina, is perhaps the most infantile but fun festival out there. On the last Wednesday of August, the small town of Buñol in eastern Spain dissolves into the scene of the world’s greatest tomato fight.

At the Taste of Stockholm Festival you can delve into the region’s tastiest fare along with thousands of like minded food and drink enthusiasts. One of the largest events in Sweden, during the first week of June the downtown park Kungsträdgården is transformed into a cultural haven with culinary sensations and performances by well-known artists. Make sure to sample the delicious potato dumplings (kroppkaka), or for carnivores, sink your teeth into a traditional Smörgåsbord buffet of various meat dishes.

Carennac, is considered by many to be one of les plus beaux villages de France. On the first Monday in August the village holds its fête de la prûne dorée, or Greengage Festival, which dates back to the time of King François I.

After discovering The Castles of the Shropshire Marches, you reach the walls of Ludlow Castle. Inside you will be treated to the tastes, smells and sounds of the Ludlow Spring Festival in May which celebrates the area’s rich gastronomic and musical heritage. Passionate food producers selling locally produced artisan cheeses, farmhouse breads, spicy sausages and a vast array of tasty delicacies, vie for your attention among over 140 draught ales from across the Marches, to an eclectic soundtrack of jazz and blues, folk, gypsy and Latin rhythms.

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