One similarity that many festivals share is the importance of food. For many festivals, there are special foods that people eat. These foods often symbolize something great.
Nowruz is Persian New Year. It begins in March. The celebrations last for two weeks.
In Nowruz, families lay seven special items on their tables. These seven items are called 'Haft Sīn' and they all have special meanings. There is sabzeh, which represents rebirth. Sir, meaning garlic, represents health. Samanu, a sweet syrup, shows strength. Senjed, a dried fruit, represents love. Sib, meaning apples, are symbols of beauty. Somaq represents sunrise. This shows the victory of light over dark. The last thing is serkeh, a vinegar, which symbolizes age and patience.
In Scotland, Hogmanay is New Year's Eve. There are always big parties and lots of food! One of the most important traditions is called the 'first-footing.' This is the first person to visit a house in the new year. The first-foot is expected to bring a gift of food. They might bring salt, shortbread, or fruit cake. It is believed that it will bring good luck to the house. Then, the family and the guest join together to eat more food and celebrate!
Do you like pizza? Then you can partake in the Pizzafest. This festival is held in Naples, Italy. It lasts for five to seven days. People can taste different kinds of pizzas. All the pizzas will be judged. At the end of the festival, the best pizza maker will be announced.
Are you a meat-lover? Then the next festival is perfect for you. It's the Bacon Festival. It's an annual event in the Golden State. It is in the United States. It celebrates all things bacon. You could try bacon in dishes you've never heard of before. Maybe you could try some bacon pie or even bacon ice cream. Make sure you don't hog all the bacon.
If you're a vegetarian, there's a festival for you too. There's a vegetarian festival in Bangkok. It usually runs from September to October and lasts for nine days. There are many food stalls selling street food at this festival. The foods do not contain meat. Some people believe that a vegan diet would help cleanse the body. The participants will also visit the temples. In the early evening, there are Chinese opera performances.
If you like gourmet food, then you need to head over to Hawaii. The Chef Fest occurs annually in Hawaii every November. Award-winning chefs show off their own gourmet dishes. You could learn how to make those mouth-watering dishes too. Participants also get to learn how to make flower leis. You can explore the island as well. Don't forget to relax and enjoy your stay.
Food is such an important part of our lives and our festivals. Which festival do you want to go to?