9 Must-Visit Food Festivals Around the World

A Battle of the Oranges: Yes, you read that right. At the annual Carnival of Ivrea in Northern Italy, you can witness the largest food fight in the country as organized groups participate in the defense of the city against the Tyrant’s henchman. This tradition dates back to the 12th century when the city’s tyrant’s plan to attack a women backfired, in which he was killed and his palace burned by locals. © Rndmst | Dreamstime.com

What’s better than celebrating lobster? How about five days celebrating the tasty dish? The Maine Lobster Festival takes place each year the first weekend of August, showcasing the seafood through a variety of dishes and techniques. The festival can be found at Rockland, Maine’s, Harbor Park. © Yuan Kai Yeo | Dreamstime.com

Everyone has heard of Oktoberfest, and for good reason. This massive beer festival, held annually in Munich, Germany, draws millions to enjoy Oktoberfest beer, amusement rides, side stalls and games. The festival officially begins when the lord mayor opens the first beer barrel in the Schottenhammel tent. © D D | Dreamstime.com

While its name may sound like something else, this unique festival is actually an event giving the local monkey population in Lopburi, Thailand, fruits and vegetables. The Monkey Buffet Festival is perhaps one of the most unique “food” festivals in the world and well worth witnessing yourself. © Manit Larpluechai | Dreamstime.com

Are you a lover of garlic? Garlic Town USA honors all things garlic, bringing more than 100 garlic-centric vendors to Bennington, Vermont, every Labor Day weekend. Expect more than 20 food trucks, live entertainment, live demos and even a beer garden. © Steve Callahan | Dreamstime.com

Forget the mouse chasing the cheese. At the annual Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake near Gloucester, England, participants race down a 200-yard hill chasing a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. Dating back at least 200 years, this unique tradition draws people from around the world. One man has won the race a staggering 23 times! © Jessica Girvan | Dreamstime.com

Italy isn’t the only country with a food-fight festival. La Tomatina is a Spanish festival in Buñol, Spain, involving people throwing tomatoes at each other. The largest food fight in the world, the festival originates from a 1940s food fight between friends. The festival is so popular, tickets are now required to participate. © Donvictorio | Dreamstime.com

More of a trade fair than a festival, this event still celebrates one of the most beloved foods in the world: chocolate. Salon du Chocolat, hosted in Paris each year, highlights key players in the chocolate and cocoa industry, revealing unique chocolate products and major brands. This event draws food bloggers, pastry chefs, chocolatiers and more. © Loflo69 | Dreamstime.com

Vlaggetjesdag (Flag Day) has been an annual festival and holiday in the Netherlands since 1947, marking the start of herring season. The festival honors the day when fishing boats decorated with flags came to the harbor on the Saturday before Pentecost. While this festival offers sailing demonstrations, traditional Dutch performances and live music, no visit is complete without sampling new herring at any number of vendors around the harbor. You’ll also find other seafood specialties. © Jan Kranendonk | Dreamstime.com