From tomato fights to truffle auctions, monkey buffets to chocolate sculptures, there are food festivals to suit all
1. LA TOMATINA, Bunol, Spain
On the last Wednesday of August in this town in Valencia, the locals gather to engage in a gigantic tomato fight. If you've seen the photos of this human Bloody Mary, which originated in 1945 after a group of young men threw tomatoes at police in the town, you will know to bring a change of clothes. Latomatina.orgprovides useful information on budget accommodation. If you're staying in Valencia, check out very cool Hospes Palau de la Mar ( hospes.com).
2. MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL, USA
9,000 kilos of lobster are served up at this festival between August 1st and 5th. Tickets are available on the spot at Rockland Harbour Park for under $10 (€8) each day and the official website ( mainelobsterfestival.com) has plenty of accommodation links. Rockland is full of BBs with Lime Rock Inn and Berry Manor Inn recommended. ( limerockinn.comor berrymanorinn.com) All-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts should keep you going until the lobster lunch.
3. INTERNATIONAL WHITE TRUFFLE FESTIVAL, Alba, Italy
At the height of the truffle season, thousands will head to the northern Italian town of Alba every Saturday and Sunday between October 6th and November 18th. A wine festival coincides with the truffle one to wash it all down, and you can also check out the White Truffle World Auction to see the crazy prices international buyers will pay for giant truffles. Local apricot cake, Gianduja chocolate and polenta also feature heavily. fieradeltartufo.orghas more information. If you fancy some luxury alongside your truffles, then the 17th century Franciscan monastery, now home to the Relais San Maurizio hotel, should be on your list. relaisanmaurizio.com
4. OKTOBERFEST, Munich, Germany
Over six million thirsty punters descend on Munich between September 22nd and October 7th for the 200-year-old drinking session of beers brewed within Munich's city limits. Oktoberfest.dewill give you all you need to know about the 14 massive tents where the drinking takes place, as well as what to look forward to in terms of treats of a more solid variety: dumplings, roast duck, wurst, cheese and potato salad. Book early for special hotel offers with the festival's partner at booking.com
5. CIOCCOLATO, Turin, Italy
For a fortnight every March, chocolate makers and sellers from all over Italy and Europe take over Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Turin, creating
sculptural displays of chocolate, selling their wares, educating customers and offering samples to those who probably don’t need much convincing.
Piedmont is world-famous for its chocolate, and is the home of Ferrero, Kinder and Nutella.
6. THE CAPE WINELANDS, Western Cape, South Africa
Some wine routes can be disappointingly small or inaccessible, but you can't say that about the vineyards around Cape Town, home to 560 wineries. The South Africa venues site at iti.ms/LNyuhchas a useful guide to the most popular wine routes along with accompanying hotel and lodge options. Whether you're hitting the traditional vineyards of Stellenbosch or checking out some newer wineries, the vast scenic routes can't be beaten.
7. MONKEY BUFFET, Lopburi, Thailand
The feast at Pra Prang Sam Yot temple on November 25th doesn’t benefit humans as much as it does the large monkey population, which are treated to a €10,000 feast. It’s definitely a foodie event with a difference, as thousands of macaques come to gobble the intricate displays of fruit, vegetables, cakes and juices. Worth considering if you’re in the region.
8. FETE DE LA COQUILLE ST JACQUES, Villers sur Mer, Normandy, France
This scallop and seafood festival takes place on October 27th and 28th, when you'll be able to head along and try out what made this town's cuisine famous, grab some fresh fish and check out tastings and demonstrations. The Villers sur Mer tourist website ( villers-sur-mer.fr) lists places to stay from campsites to hotels.
9. BRIGHTON HOVE FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL, UK
Away from the corporate (and expensive) large-scale British food festivals is this one, happening from September 7th to 16th, with an emphasis on independent and artisan produce and markets. Brighton is a smashing town for a wander, so throw in whiskey tastings, supper clubs, live food demos, excellent seafood, and loads of great children's events and you have a winner. Kemp Townhouse, which first opened in 1864 has been expertly renovated as a smart boutique hotel. kemptownhousebrighton.com brightonfoodfestival.com
10. LEXINGTON BARBECUE FESTIVAL, North Carolina, USA
Apparently, Lexington is the barbecue capital of the world, which probably explains the popularity of this festival. Now in its 29th year, the festival takes over uptown Lexington on October 27th. There's a big emphasis on pork, and there are fringe events that you could expect to associate with an American BBQ (car shows, chainsaw competitions and BMX displays). But it's the food that counts: slow-cooked pork served with hushpuppies (cornbread balls). See barbecuefestival.com