From ancient fertility rites to modern culinary celebrations, March marks the beginning of festival season across the Northern Hemisphere. Here are five extraordinary food festivals that transform this transitional month into a feast for the senses – especially taste and smell!
In Bali, the eve of Nyepi, the Balinese New Year (30-31 March), is celebrated with street parades of giant papier mache monsters called Ogoh-ogoh. Ahead of a day of silence and fasting, the Balinese prepare traditional feasts featuring classic dishes like lawar – a salad of vegetables, minced meat and spices – and of course the iconci babi guling – roast suckling pig.
Bavaria bursts into life with Starkbierzeit, (14 March – 06 April) Munich’s “strong beer festival.” Less touristy than Oktoberfest but equally authentic, this 300-year-old celebration sees locals and visitors downing potent doppelbock in centuries-old beer halls while feasting on traditional fare.
The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (15-24 March) transforms the Australian city into a gastronomic playground. World-class chefs curate pop-ups and masterclasses, while the iconic World’s Longest Lunch sees 1600 diners sharing a meal along the Yarra River.
Hotelympia in London (17-19 March) showcases Britain’s culinary revolution, with star chefs demonstrating modern takes on traditional cuisines. Just a short drive from Karma Salford Hall, it’s the UK’s largest food service and hospitality event.
In Tuscany, near Karma Borgo di Colleoli, the Festa della Fettunta (16-17 March) celebrates “first-press” olive oil. Local producers open their estates for tastings, while traditional bruschetteria serve oil-drenched delicacies in medieval piazzas.
