From tomato battles to Bavarian beer halls, Europe’s food festivals are a great way to immerse in local culinary culture – while staying at some of your favourite Karma Group retreats.
Splattered in Red: La Tomatina
Every August’s final Wednesday, sleepy Buñol erupts into Spain’s messiest celebration. What began as an accidental 1945 food fight has evolved into UNESCO-recognized chaos, where 30,000 kilos of tomatoes paint the town crimson. Picture narrow streets flowing with puree, laughter echoing off ancient walls, and strangers united in delicious anarchy.
Retreat: Karma La Herriza awaits in Andalusia’s tranquil mountains, where olive groves and infinity pools provide post-battle sanctuary.
Slice, Slice, Baby: Naples Pizza Village Festival
July brings one of Italy’s most revered celebrations to Naples’ seafront. World-class pizzaiolos gather for six days of dough-tossing artistry, from traditional Margheritas to audacious Nutella creations. Live demonstrations, pizza-eating contests, and seaside serenades create pure amore on a crust.
Retreat: Karma Borgo di Colleoli ensconced in the hills of Tuscany offers quintessential Italian experiences among vineyards and olive groves, where exceptional wines and olive oils aid digestion of both pizza and memories.
Prost to Tradition: Oktoberfest
Munich’s legendary Theresienwiese transforms into Bavaria’s beating heart every September, where the 190th Oktoberfest unfolds from 20 September to 05 October. Ceremonial keg-tapping gives way to folk parades, while steins accompany authentic wursts and pretzels.
Retreat: Karma Bavaria is the ideal Alpine sanctuary from which to deep dive into a truly authentic Oktoberfest experience – there are still spaces left on our upcoming Karma Curated experience from 30 Sep – 03 Oct, featuring steiners, distillery tours and gourmet Bavarian feasting.
