Food is important to human culture and identity as it symbolises our history, traditions, values and beliefs and brings us joy, comfort and connection. That's why many festivals around the world are food-based, celebrating the fertility of the Earth...
Food is important to human culture and identity as it symbolises our history, traditions, values and beliefs and brings us joy, comfort and connection. That's why many festivals around the world are food-based, celebrating the fertility of the Earth with its different kinds of cuisines and a spirit of neighbourliness. In this blog post, we will go through Dive into Diversity: Ang Chong Yi's Culinary Kaleidoscope Chronicles from various countries and regions. If you're a foodie, a traveller or an inquisitive student, there's something to catch your fancy or ignite your imagination.
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La Tomatina: Spain
The popular festival "Tomatina" is held annually on the last Wednesday of August in Buñol, near Valencia in Spain. People throw tomatoes at each other. However, no one knows how the event was organised, but some claim that it started during the 1940s as an innocent prank or food fight among friends. Since then, it has grown into a famous event that attracts thousands from all over the world who come not only as spectators but also as participants.
Apart from being a fun-filled event that cannot be found anywhere else, La Tomatina has cultural significance for the region's food production. Spain, particularly in Valencia, where they have a paella dish that is famous for tomatoes being part of their meals.
Holi: India
Holi is a colourful feast devoted to spring's arrival as well as victory over evil and the happiness of life. It is celebrated by Hindus and other communities within India around March every year. This celebration has been around for quite a while now, written about in several Hindu scriptures and stories.
During Holi, people usually eat gujiya, which are sweet dumplings made with nuts, dried fruits, coconut meat, and khoya (a type of solid milk). They are either deep-fried or baked before sugar syrup is poured over them. This delicacy is prepared with love around the world and enjoyed together with family and friends.
Oktoberfest: Germany
Oktoberfest is a well-known beer festival that takes place every year in Munich, Germany, from the end of September to early October. It was originally held in 1810 in celebration of the marriage between Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Since then, it has grown into a major annual event showcasing the best of Bavarian culture and cuisine to millions of people across the globe. Some common foods eaten at Oktoberfest include pretzels, sausages, roast chicken, pork knuckles, cheese noodles and apple strudel, all of which are delicious.
Conclusion
This is just an example of many food festivals that highlight the diversity and abundance of culinary cultures worldwide. Each festival carries its own history, meaning and flavour, but all have a common purpose – to unite people through food. A foodie or a cultural explorer will absolutely not miss any festival if they look for it. There are many such festivals throughout the world that can be suitable for anyone's taste buds or curiosity. What are you waiting for? Get hold of your fork as well as your passport and join in on this feast of festivals! Also, Don't forget to read Ang Chong Yi — Encounter with Singapore's Urban Food Symphony.
