Eurochocolate Festival is an annual event that takes place in the city of Perugia in Umbria, Italy. The festival is considered the largest chocolate festival in Europe and attracts about one million visitors every year, including tourists and Italian natives. The festival runs for nine to ten days in October. It is located in the squares and areas of Piazza Italia, Piazza Della Repubblica, Corso Vannucci, Via Mazzini, Via Fani, The Terrace of the Covered Market, and Piazza IV Novembre. The festival features everything from live music performances and chocolate art exhibits to cooking demonstrations, chocolate fountains, workshops, free seminars, and chocolate cooking classes to learn how to bake.

The festival offers a variety of activities, including chocolate art displays, chocolate tastings, street performances, and chocolate art. Visitors can participate in different cooking workshops, chocolate tastings, and performances and shows directly related to chocolate. The festival visitors can enjoy chocolate tasting and chocolate workshops that are organized by worldwide chocolate manufacturers. The festival also features an igloo constructed out of 3,600 kilograms of chocolate bricks. The festival also offers a new partnership between organizers and Cacao of Excellence to celebrate quality cocoa and its producers at the 2023 Eurochocolate Festival. Together, they intend to present the culture, history, and extraordinary producers of the ancient cocoa crop.

The festival is free to attend, but by picking up a ChocoCard, visitors can receive gifts and prizes as well as special discounts on restaurants and shops. The festival is a real chocolate paradise for those who have a sweet tooth. The festival is a showcase for smaller producers, and Italian companies are more present, of course, but look out for those making fair trade and artisan products. The festival also offers many free seminars for the visitor, and during the last visit, there was one dedicated to chocolate and wine. The majority of the seminars are also training programs for young people interested in working in the food industry.

The festival is a delightful event for both the casual chocolate-lover and the hard-core chocoholic alike. The festival is a very popular event, which means that the best hotels tend to book up well in advance. Visitors can also visit the famed Perugina ChocoMuseum, where entrance is free during the week of festivities. Visitors can walk along Corso Vanucci taking in the incredible sight of artists sculpting 1,000-kilogram blocks of chocolate. The town is extremely proud of its Perugia Chocolate Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of cocoa and the production of chocolate. Visitors can also pamper themselves in delicious spa treatments with chocolate as the main ingredient. During EuroChocolate, visitors can reserve an exclusive beauty treatment at Choco Farm, the official partner of the festival.

In conclusion, Eurochocolate Festival is an annual event that takes place in the city of Perugia in Umbria, Italy. The festival is considered the largest chocolate festival in Europe and attracts about one million visitors every year. The festival offers a variety of activities, including chocolate art displays, chocolate tastings, street performances, and chocolate art. Visitors can participate in different cooking workshops, chocolate tastings, and performances and shows directly related to chocolate. The festival is a real chocolate paradise for those who have a sweet tooth.

This year's festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with over 100 different companies, embassies, and organizations coming together to offer an incredible variety of international cuisines.

Foodies can look forward to tasting over 700 different food items from more than 40 different countries - from savoury Maltese specialities like rabbit stew and pastizzi to adventurous global flavours you've never tried before.

Some of the more unique and adventurous food items highlighted at the festival include:

Unique and adventurous tastes: The festival states it will feature "adventures and different tastes" from food to desserts, beers to wine, encouraging visitors to try the "odd ones".

Maltese specialities: The festival will feature traditional Maltese dishes like fenek (rabbit stew), pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas), and a variety of other traditional Maltese sweets and savoury items.

International cuisines: In addition to Maltese fare, the festival showcases over 40 different international cuisines, allowing attendees to sample a diverse array of unique dishes from around the world, such as Ghanaian jollof rice, Turkish kebabs, and Japanese ramen.

So while the festival offers many classic and beloved dishes, it also promises to deliver a range of unique and adventurous food experiences for those looking to step outside their culinary comfort zone.

And it's not just about the food - the festival will also feature a new chillout area with live DJ performances, a "Balance" section for talks on healthy living, an easy cashless payment system, and dedicated kids' activities.

With over 50,000 visitors expected, this is one of Malta's most sought-after summer events. Tickets are only €2, so don't miss your chance to embark on a global culinary journey right here in Valletta!

Discover the Best Gourmet Festivals in Germany

Attention all food enthusiasts! If you're looking to indulge in the finest culinary delights and immerse yourself in the vibrant gourmet culture of Germany, then you won't want to miss the upcoming Gourmet Festivals. These premier events, held in cities across Germany, offer an unparalleled opportunity to savour the flavours of the world's most renowned cuisines. From the charming city of Mönchengladbach to the bustling metropolises of Cologne and Düsseldorf, each festival promises a unique gastronomic experience that will tantalize your taste buds.

Mönchengladbach Gourmet Festival

Kicking off the festival season, the Mönchengladbach Gourmet Festival takes place from July 12-14, 2024. Immerse yourself in a culinary wonderland as you explore the diverse array of food and beverage offerings from local and international vendors. Indulge in gourmet delicacies, sip on fine wines, and enjoy live entertainment that will elevate your senses.

Cologne Gourmet Festival

Venture to the vibrant city of Cologne from July 26-28, 2024, for the Cologne Gourmet Festival. This epicurean extravaganza showcases the best of German and international cuisine, with renowned chefs and artisanal producers sharing their expertise and passion. Discover new flavours, attend cooking demonstrations, and connect with fellow food enthusiasts in this celebration of gastronomy.

Düsseldorf Gourmet Festival

Concluding the festival season, the Düsseldorf Gourmet Festival takes place from August 23-25, 2024. Explore the culinary diversity of this dynamic city as you savour the creations of talented chefs and artisans. Indulge in exquisite dishes, attend exclusive tastings, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere that makes Düsseldorf a renowned gastronomic destination. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply someone who appreciates the art of fine dining, the Gourmet Festivals in Germany offer an unparalleled opportunity to indulge your senses and discover the best of the country's culinary landscape. Mark your calendars and get ready to embark on a delectable journey through the world of gourmet delights.

For more information, please visit the event’s official website by clicking here.

The Brighton Foodies Festival is set to be a culinary extravaganza this May Bank Holiday weekend, from May 4th to 6th, 2024. Dubbed the "Gastro-Glastonbury", this three-day event promises to be a celebration of top chefs, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live music.

The festival will feature live cooking demonstrations from a star-studded lineup of celebrity chefs and champions from popular TV shows like MasterChef, Great British Bake Off, and Great British Menu. Visitors will have the chance to watch these culinary masters create their signature dishes and share new tips and tricks in the La Española Chefs Theatre.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Pots & Co Cake & Dessert Theatre will host expert bakers, including Great British Bake Off stars, who will share their best baking hints and tips and demonstrate how to make show-stopping cakes and desserts.

Beyond the cooking demonstrations, the festival will offer a wide range of experiences and attractions. In the Drinks Theatre, visitors can indulge in masterclasses on Champagne, beer, cider, cocktails, and wine tasting, led by experts like the renowned wine connoisseur Charles Metcalfe.

The Feasting Tent will feature a mouthwatering array of street food and delicacies from around the world, allowing attendees to explore exotic and unusual flavours. The Shopping Village and Artisan Market will showcase the latest food trends and provide opportunities to meet local producers and discover new products.

Exciting new features for 2024 include the ALL NEW COOK SCHOOL, where visitors can participate in hands-on authentic Thai green curry cooking classes led by celebrity chef Nigel Brown. The ALL NEW LUMBERJAXE FIRE STAGE will also be a highlight, featuring live-fire cooking demonstrations by BBQ specialists LumberjAxe and pitmaster James Brace.

Beyond the culinary delights, the festival will also offer a vibrant lineup of live music, with performances by chart-topping artists such as Scouting For Girls, Sister Sledge, and the exhilarating Symphonic Ibiza Orchestra. Visitors can also enjoy fairground rides, chilli-eating competitions, and a variety of family-friendly activities in the Kids Cookery Theatre.

Tickets for the Brighton Foodies Festival are now on sale, with advance adult tickets priced at £21, concession tickets at £19, and family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) at £46. VIP and group tickets are also available. Don't miss this opportunity to indulge in a truly exceptional gastronomic experience this May Bank Holiday weekend in Brighton.

Please visit here for more information.

The Alaçatı Herb Festival, organized by the Alaçatı Municipality, is an annual event that celebrates the rich diversity of herbs and plants in the region. The festival is held in Alaçatı, a charming town in the İzmir province of Turkey, and attracts visitors from all over the world who are interested in learning about the region's herbs and traditional cuisine. The festival's theme for this year is "Şevketi Bostan", and visitors will have the opportunity to discover the treasure trove of over 125 different herb species that Alaçatı is home to. The festival's program includes exhibitions, talks, and concerts, and visitors can participate in workshops on herbal medicine, cooking, and crafts.

The Alaçatı Herb Festival is not only a celebration of nature and culture, but it also aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the region's biodiversity. The festival highlights the unique herbs and plants that grow in the region and the traditional knowledge associated with them. The festival is also an opportunity to support local producers and the local economy. By promoting local products and traditional cuisine, the festival helps to preserve the region's cultural heritage and supports local businesses. Visitors to the festival can sample and purchase fresh, organic products, including herbs, spices, and other local products at the herb market. The market is a vibrant and colourful display of the region's bounty, offering visitors a chance to taste and purchase fresh, organic products.

The festival also features cooking demonstrations by local chefs, who prepare traditional dishes using locally sourced herbs. Visitors can watch cooking demonstrations and learn about the region's traditional cuisine and cooking techniques. In addition to the herb festival, Alaçatı is also home to a vibrant cultural scene. The town is known for its picturesque stone houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and the beautiful Aegean Sea. Visitors can explore the town's cultural heritage by visiting local museums, art galleries, and historical sites.

The Alaçatı Herb Festival is a unique and authentic celebration of nature, culture, and tradition. It offers visitors a chance to learn about the region's herbs, traditional cuisine, and cultural heritage. By promoting local products and traditional cuisine, the festival supports the local economy and preserves the region's cultural heritage. The festival's activities and workshops provide a hands-on experience and an opportunity to learn about the region's herbs and traditions. If you are planning a visit to Turkey, the Alaçatı Herb Festival is an event not to be missed.

For more information about this free entry event, please visit here.

The Adana Orange Blossom Carnival is a vibrant and colourful festival that has become a symbol of the city's cultural richness and heritage. The carnival, which began in 2012, is held around April, coinciding with the blooming of orange blossoms, and has grown in enthusiasm and scale each year.

The event is a celebration of Adana's traditional and local cuisine, with a focus on the versatile use of oranges in various culinary creations, including cakes, cookies, sauces, and meat and fish dishes. The festival features a giant festival centre in Central Park, where visitors can experience the most traditional and local cuisine culture of Adana. The streets are transformed into showgrounds, as participants don orange outfits, colourful hats, crowns, and flowers, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.

The carnival offers a diverse range of activities, including dance shows, concerts, games, and shopping, providing an opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the cultural and culinary delights of the region. Additionally, the festival includes the "Tasty Tastes with Orange Contest," which showcases the creativity and skill of participants in incorporating citrus fruits into beverages, pastries, sweets, cold food, and hot food.

The Orange Blossom Carnival has not only become a significant cultural event but also a platform to promote tolerance and multicultural civil society, making it a must-visit for both locals and international visitors seeking to experience the unique charm of Adana.

Please visit https://www.nisandaadanada.com/ and their social media accounts for updates in carnival programme.

Nestled in the heart of South Moravia, the charming town of Hustopeče comes alive each spring with the Almond and Wine Festivities. This unique celebration, held annually in late March, coincides with the breathtaking spectacle of the town's almond orchards bursting into a sea of white and pink blossoms.

Hustopeče boasts the largest almond orchard in Central Europe, making it a truly special place to witness this natural wonder. Visitors flock to the town not only to marvel at the floral display but also to experience a vibrant cultural immersion.

A Celebration of Local Delights

The festival offers a delightful blend of gastronomic and cultural experiences. Local restaurants showcase their culinary creativity with an array of sweet and savoury almond specialities. From delectable pastries and desserts to innovative almond-infused main courses, there's something to tantalize every taste bud.

Wine lovers are in for a treat, as Hustopeče vintners open their cellars for tastings throughout the weekend. Visitors can embark on a journey through the "almond trail", leading them to various cellars and offering a chance to sample the region's renowned wines.

A Family-Friendly Atmosphere

The festivities cater to visitors of all ages. The "U Synků" courtyard transforms into a lively fairground, bustling with stalls offering local crafts and souvenirs. Children can unleash their creativity at the exhibition of children's artwork, while the observation tower provides stunning panoramic views of the blossoming landscape.

For more details on the event programme, please click here to visit the official website.

The Food and Fun Festival in Reykjavik, Iceland is an annual culinary event that celebrates the country's unique food culture and attracts both locals and tourists. The festival, which has been held for over 20 years, typically takes place in early March and involves the participation of fifteen Reykjavik restaurants. During the festival, renowned foreign chefs from the USA and Europe collaborate with local restaurants to create gourmet menus at affordable prices, incorporating traditional Icelandic ingredients in innovative ways.

The event not only offers a unique dining experience but also serves as a platform for chefs to experiment with local ingredients and showcase their culinary skills. The festival was originally organized to attract tourists to Iceland during the off-season and to promote the country's agricultural and seafood products. Over the years, it has evolved into a significant event that highlights the growing interest in Icelandic cuisine.

In addition to the culinary offerings, the festival also features competitions where chefs are judged on their creations, with the chance to be named the Food and Fun Chef of the Year. According to Siggi Hall, a master chef and one of the festival organizers, the event has become a major draw for food enthusiasts, including both locals and international visitors. He noted that "there are a lot of foreigners that attend the festival, there are a lot of tourists that are curious about Icelandic cuisine."

The festival has not only contributed to the promotion of Icelandic food but has also become a key attraction for those visiting the country, alongside its natural landscapes and the northern lights. The Food and Fun Festival is a testament to the growing popularity of Icelandic cuisine and the country's vibrant food scene. It provides a platform for culinary exchange and creativity, allowing both Icelandic and foreign chefs to showcase their talents and passion for creating exceptional food. The festival is a unique opportunity for food enthusiasts to explore and savour the rich and diverse flavours of Icelandic cuisine, making it a must-visit event for those with a love for food and culinary innovation.

For more information about the festival, including participating chefs and restaurants, you can visit the official festival website from https://www.dineout.is/foodandfun

The town of Óbidos in Portugal is famous for its annual International Chocolate Festival, which lasts for three weeks and attracts almost 200,000 visitors each year. The festival includes a variety of activities related to chocolate, such as chocolate sculptures exhibition, cooking shows, chocolate master classes, body painting, cake design, and competitions such as "Chocolatier of the Year" and "International Competition of Chocolate Recipes" that involve professional pastry chefs.

The festival is a paradise for chocolate lovers and a perfect opportunity to explore the picturesque town of Óbidos, characterized by its medieval walls, winding streets, and old whitewashed houses. The festival is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and there are plenty of activities that don't cost extra, such as body painting demonstrations, show cooking by top chocolate chefs, and concerts.

For more detailed information about the programme and the tickets, please visit https://festivalchocolate.cm-obidos.pt/programa/

Renowned for its citrus fruits, the town of Menton on the French Riviera hosts a vibrant celebration dedicated to all things citrus that spans two weeks. During this time, visitors can marvel at large-scale sculptures crafted from oranges and lemons, which are later sold to locals to make jam. A major highlight of the festival is the nighttime parades featuring elaborate carnival floats adorned with fruits, accompanied by lively dancing and music performances by troupes from various corners of the globe.

The festival's origins trace back to the late 19th century when local citrus growers sought to promote their produce. Legend has it that a group of growers conceived the idea of a festival featuring floats adorned with lemons and oranges, inspired by the renowned carnival in Nice. The inaugural Lemon Festival took place in 1934, swiftly gaining popularity and attracting visitors from far and wide.

You can find more about the event from their official website here

February is dubbed as ‘Love LegenDerry’, a time filled with delectable events and activities honouring the finest cuisine and local goods from the area.

Highlights include a renowned cheese and beer tour, a pairing of seven drinks with seven cheeses, a couples cooking class, a barbecue workshop, and an array of other enticing options.

Make sure not to overlook this legenderry event!

For additional information, visit legenderryfood.com/events.

The largest culinary event in northern Portugal is gearing up to welcome visitors from February 8th to 11th, 2024!

Vinhais proudly holds the title of the capital of smoked meats, and for good reason: it boasts the finest smoked meats around. What sets this product apart? Numerous factors contribute to its exceptional quality, including the climate, raw materials, and seasoning. Vinhais enjoys a cold, dry climate during the slaughtering process, which aids in the proper curing of the meat and smoked products. The raw material comes from Bísaro pigs, raised traditionally using locally sourced agricultural products, resulting in meat with a distinctive flavour and unique texture thanks to its marbled, tender, and juicy nature. The seasoning, prepared in garlic vines, consists of water, wine, garlic, salt, and bay leaves, providing a distinct taste unlike any other region's seasonings.

From February 8th to 11th, Vinhais will be transformed into a lively celebration, with four days filled with joy, authentic flavours, and unforgettable moments. The residents of Vinhais are thrilled to share this experience with thousands of visitors who will come to see, taste, and savour the best offerings of the land.

Expect a range of activities, from ham-cutting demonstrations to concerts, local produce tastings, competitions, and much more!

For more information, please visit their website: https://www.cm-vinhais.pt/pages/493

Taste 2024 event will take place from February 3rd to February 5th, 2024, at Fortezza da Basso.

This three-day exhibition promises a captivating exploration of taste diversity and culinary excellence. Taste serves as Italy's premier platform for embracing a healthy and satisfying food lifestyle, attracting top international gastronomy professionals as well as a growing community of enthusiastic food lovers.

In addition to showcasing gourmet delights, the event also features kitchen and home goods. While the fair primarily caters to industry professionals, it also offers specific opening hours to accommodate the general public.

For the general public, the event will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm, and on Monday from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.

To register for the event, please visit the following link: Taste Event Registration. The ticket price is €25.

The Tarragona Carnival, known as "Carnaval de Tarragona" in Spanish, is an annual celebration held in Tarragona, a city located in the Catalonia region of Spain. The carnival typically takes place in February or March, depending on the date of Easter, and it is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Tarragona.

The Tarragona Carnival is a vibrant and colourful celebration characterized by lively street parades, elaborate costumes, music, dancing, and various cultural activities. The streets of Tarragona come alive with the sound of drums, trumpets, and lively rhythms as locals and visitors join in the festive atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the Tarragona Carnival is the parade of floats, groups, and individuals dressed in creative and elaborate costumes, often inspired by traditional carnival themes or contemporary pop culture. Participants compete for prizes in different categories, and spectators line the streets to watch the colourful procession.

In addition to the parades, the Tarragona Carnival features various events and activities for people of all ages, including children's workshops, street performances, live music concerts, and gastronomic fairs offering local specialities.

Another important aspect of the Tarragona Carnival is the traditional culinary delights associated with the festivities. On the 8th of February, visitors are invited to try one of the most typical products of the Carnival: the coca de llardons (pastry) at the Colla La Bota stand. On the same day, inside Torreforta’s Central Market, there will be another typical dish: Botifarra d’ou (Egg sausage tasting). Meat, eggs, tripe and pepper are the ingredients needed to make botifarra d’ou (egg sausage). And on the next day, 9th February, visitors can be ready at Central Market to drink vermouth.

Overall, the Tarragona Carnival is a joyful and inclusive event that brings together the community to celebrate Catalan culture, creativity, and the spirit of carnival. It is a time for people to come together, let loose, and enjoy the festive atmosphere in Tarragona.

Please visit https://www.tarragonaturisme.cat/en/events/carnival for the details.