Jul 8, 2024
BY: etimes.inFood festivals are said to highlight the lesser-known culinary delights of the said cuisine. But, there are food festivals celebrated around the world that celebrate particular food items or may be traditions that have a unique history. Tap next to read about 10 weirdest food festivals from around the world, and why they are celebrated.
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It is one of the most popular and weird food festivals held in Buñol, where participants throw ripe tomatoes at each other in a massive food fight, creating a sea of red. As per reports, this festival was first celebrated on the last Wednesday of August in 1945.
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In Raleigh, North Carolina, this festival celebrates entomophagy (the practice of eating insects, especially by people) with a variety of dishes made from insects, including cricket cookies and mealworm salsa.
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Marlinton, West Virginia hosts this festival where chefs prepare dishes from animals commonly found as roadkill, like raccoon and possum.
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It is also an annual event that has been happening since 1826 in which 7-9 pounds of Double Gloucester cheese is sent rolling down the hill which is 200 yards long, and the competitors aim to catch the cheese. The first person over the finish line at the bottom of the hill wins the cheese.
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Also known as Carnival of Ivrea, in this unique festival people hurl oranges at each other in a reenactment of a historic battle, creating a messy but festive atmosphere. As per reports, it is the largest food fight in Italy and surrounding countries.
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In Oaxaca, artisans carve intricate figures out of radishes, competing for prizes and showcasing their creativity. This festival has its origins in the colonial period, when radishes were introduced by the Spanish.
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Located in Gilroy, California, this festival celebrates garlic with unique dishes like garlic ice cream and garlic fries. For the unversed, the very first Gilroy Garlic Festival was held at Bloomfield Ranch in August 1979.
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In St. George, South Carolina, this festival features grits in various forms, including a grits-eating contest and the "Rolling in the Grits" event.
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In Lopburi of Thailand, people celebrate a lavish feast of fruits and vegetables in which fresh produce is laid out for the local monkey population, attracting tourists and locals alike.
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Hawaii and Waikiki hosts this annual event dedicated to Spam, featuring creative Spam dishes from local chefs and a festive atmosphere celebrating the canned meat's cultural significance in Hawaii.
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