We have to agree to the fact that as we begin to age, the joy of heading to the fruit market is truly unmatched. Strolling through each stall, we admire the vibrant colours of nearly ripe fruits and their addictive aromas. Looking through heaps of these nature's little sweet offerings, we cannot help but wonder about the fruit festivals that celebrate them. While here, in India, the onset of mango season is a festival in itself. Similarly, all across the globe communities huddle together and rejoice for a bountiful harvest with their own unique customs.
These festivities are colourful and fun, much like the fruits themselves. It is a testament to the agricultural efforts, cultural impact and rich community values that the harvest helps uphold. Through this blog, we will take you through five prominent fruit fests around the globe, and outline their significance and local traditions that are practised during this time.
Here are a list of global fruit festivals you may experience around the world:
The onset of June often is received by a carnival in the heart of Thailand. It is a grand gesture to mark the country’s essential agricultural product, the mighty pineapple. The province of Lampang in Thailand celebrates 'phulae pineapple' (small in size), originating from the region itself. The fruit is revered for its candied sweet and juicy flesh. Pineapple juices, crafted fresh from the celebrated fruit, are a highlight of the festival, offering a refreshing treat to attendees. Pineapple Fruit Festival witnesses vibrant parades with decorated floats and traditional performances paired with a range of fruit-based dishes, desserts, and beverages to entice their guests.
We love our mangoes here in India, don't we? And we spare absolutely no expense to pay homage to the fruit. Each year, the start of summer beckons a vibrant mango fruit fest in New Delhi. This festival honours India’s rich diversity in mango varieties which span close to 1500 across the length of the country. Mango juices, made from the finest varieties, are a crowd favorite, adding a refreshing touch to the celebrations. During this, the king of fruits is displayed by agricultural experts to bring awareness to agricultural practises, diverse types and properties of the fruit. Such seminars are an exemplary feat to exchange knowledge and observe the fruit's significance to the country.
In the quaint picturesque village of Socorro, each year, the community celebrates the world’s largest fruit, also known as the jackfruit. Held in May, this festival attracts an array of visitors from both, locals to international tourists. The Ponsachem fruit fest (regional name) is truly a celebration of Goan cuisine and culture with traditional dishes made with the tropical fruit of the hour, ‘phanas’. Apart from this, the jackfruit festival houses several tastings, live demonstrations and workshops. It also serves as a platform to bring more awareness towards the fruit.
While we are familiar with loads of cherry-picking festivals or dragon fruit festivals, one fest that stands out due to its unique ingredient is the pumpkin festival in Germany. It is held in south-western parts of Germany, essentially in Ludwigsburg from the month of September to early November. The extravaganza is truly a sight to see, with themes of the signature colours splattered across the palace, all dedicated to the varieties of lush pumpkin. The carnival engages and fascinates its visitors with sculptures and famous characters as well as events such as pumpkin carving.
Another fruit festival as vibrant as the pumpkins above is the citrus celebration in Nagpur, India. The city of Nagpur is often denoted as the 'Orange City' due to its most famous export, juicy-bright oranges. Visitors are in for a delight with colourful stalls displaying countless varieties of fruit ranging from tart Santra to sweet Nagpur mandarins. Orange juice, freshly squeezed from the finest oranges, is a highlight of the festival, offering a zesty burst of flavor to all attendees. You name it, they have it! The joyous fruit fest amuses you with interactive sessions, competitions, workshops, folk dances, and handicrafts to boost your pride in the humble orange.
Fruit festivals are truly an exceptional opportunity to bring the community together and experience the factors that set the fruit apart from the rest. Now be that mango fest in New Delhi or the glorious jackfruit festival in Goa, there’s something for everyone out there. Each year, these celebrations help us understand and acknowledge the fruits not only for nutritional value, but also the impact they have on the economy and identity of the place. If you are someone who is aiming to explore the world for its vibrant cultures and delicious offerings such fruit festivals are a great way to start.
Also check out our B Natural Juices which offers juices made with real fruits, free from preservatives, providing a natural glow boost with every sip.
The largest food festival in the world is the Taste of Chicago, held annually in Chicago, USA. Known for its diverse food offerings and vibrant atmosphere, it attracts millions of visitors.
World Fruit Day is celebrated on July 1st annually. It aims to promote the importance of fruits in a healthy diet, encourage sustainable farming practices, and celebrate their cultural significance.