Perhaps the most famous gastronomic holiday of early autumn is the beer festival Oktoberfest. This year it will open in Munich on the Theresienwiese on Saturday, September 17. Incidentally, contrary to popular belief, there isn't all that much beer at Oktoberfest. More precisely, there aren't many varieties – only Munich brewers are allowed to participate, and the alcohol content is strictly regulated, between 5.3 and 5.8 percent.
Each Oktoberfest is visited by about six million people, and they drink about six million liters of beer.
Around the same time, the Cannstatter Volksfest takes place in Stuttgart – the main competitor to the Munich festival. About 4.5 million people come here annually.
Several similar events are held in Bremen, Düsseldorf, and other German cities. Festivals named Oktoberfest are organized not only in Germany but also, for example, in the Canadian province of Ontario or the Brazilian city of Blumenau.
But even aside from Oktoberfest, there are places to drink and eat in autumn. There are a great many gastronomic festivals; we will tell you about the most interesting ones.
Abergavenny Food Festival
September 17-18, Abergavenny, UK.
The town of Abergavenny, called the gateway to Wales, annually attracts over 200 chefs for various masterclasses, seminars, and tastings. In 1999, two farmers organized a small festival, and now it is one of the most significant local events, drawing more than 30,000 guests to the region.
Here you can try and buy local products, embark on a journey into the world of spices, learn secrets from famous chefs, and even find out how to cook insects. In the evenings, near the walls of the ancient Abergavenny Castle, built in 1087, a real musical extravaganza begins with performances by various ensembles and communal dancing.
Oyster Festival
September 23-25, Galway, Ireland.
This is the most famous and significant Irish festival after St. Patrick's Day. Here you can not only try a wide variety of seafood but also visit a rather unusual competition – the World Oyster Opening Championship. The program also includes a big parade, live music, culinary demonstrations and tastings, as well as lots of beer and champagne.
In between eating oysters, it is worth visiting Lynch's Castle, built in Irish Gothic style, the medieval St. Nicholas' Church, and the cathedral, which houses one of the best organs in the country.
Plum and Plum Rakija Festival
September 22-25, Troyan, Bulgaria.
The celebration of folk traditions and Bulgarian culture takes place annually in the village of Oreshak near the small town of Troyan, at the foot of picturesque mountain slopes. It is awarded the European quality label Effe label. According to legend, over a hundred years ago, plum rakija was brewed within the walls of the Troyan Monastery, and since then its recipe has been carefully preserved by the region's residents. During the festival, you can not only taste the strong drink but also watch its preparation – right on the main square. Guests are also offered all kinds of snacks and dishes made from plums.
Besides the culinary program, there is also a folklore one. Amid traditional songs and dance performances, guests get acquainted with the works of local craftsmen at the National Exhibition of Crafts and Arts, admire national costumes, and try their hand at wood carving, painting, or weaving.
Palinka and Sausage Festival
October 1-2, 2016, Budapest, Hungary.
Right at the residence of Hungarian kings, Buda Castle, annual tastings of the strong national brandy, palinka, are held. It is made from fruits and berries such as plums, pears, apples, apricots, and grapes. The festival typically features up to 400 varieties, as well as desserts with this drink added.
Palinka pairs particularly well with csabai and gyulai sausages, which are also offered at the festival. In addition, guests can sample various cheeses and other delicacies. All this is accompanied by performances by folk musicians and Hungarian dances.
Pepper Festival
October 29-30, Espelette, France.
Every year at the end of October, the small village of Espelette in France hosts one of the most colorful and spicy festivals – the Pepper Festival. This Mexican plant was brought here in the early 17th century and adapted perfectly to the local climate. October is harvest time, and the white facades of houses and balconies are decorated with bright pepper garlands. Then, after drying and grinding, the spice is added to many dishes – sausages and beer, cheese and chocolate, lemonades and even jam.
At the festival, you can taste all this variety to the sounds of folk music and stock up on unusual pepper souvenirs for friends and family. To learn more about the beloved Basque seasoning, you can visit the exhibition Red Pepper in the World, held in the local castle.
Rakfisk Salted Fish Festival
November 3-5, Fagernes, Norway.
Rakfisk is a traditional Norwegian dish made from fish, often trout or whitefish. It is cured in a salt solution under pressure for two months to a year, so it's an acquired taste. Served sliced with raw onion and sour cream. The smell is not too pleasant for beginners, but the taste is delicate.
During the two-day feast in Fagernes, the birthplace of the original dish, about 500 tons of rakfisk are consumed annually. The fish is accompanied by strong Scandinavian aquavit and dark beer. In addition to the traditional treat, the food market offers all kinds of sausages, dried meat, fresh bread, and apple pies.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
November 4-13, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA.
Kona coffee is grown in Hawaii, on the slopes of the Hualalai and Mauna Loa volcanoes. It is one of the most expensive varieties in the world. Honoring it as a cultural heritage, locals annually hold a festival in its honor, which is recognized as one of the main food festivals on the islands.
An art exhibition, farm tours, tastings, immersion in history, studying weaving and calligraphy, competitions for picking coffee cherries and preparing the most delicious drink, as well as concerts and dances – this is far from a complete list of entertainment for guests.