Having a piece of chocolate makes you feel as if you are the luckiest person in the world. These are goodies that make us have an urge for more, no matter how many we have had. One can be cheered up just by the smell emanating from it. It can be stated that chocolate is a marvellous delicacy that helps to put smiles on people’s faces. However, love for chocolates is overwhelming, and to add fuel to the fire, many parts of the world celebrate ‘Chocolate Festivals’. Here’s a list of 5 of the most extravagant chocolate festivals observed across the world.
1. Chocolate Festival, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Chocolate Festival, which takes place in Amsterdam, specialises in sustainable cocoa production. It makes it possible for the attendees to be informed about the different factors that surround the production of chocolates and the difficulties faced by producers. The tutorial by Brazilian, Peruvian, Mexican, and Dutch master chocolatiers helps to understand the quality of cacao and new tastes. Free chocolate tasting along with wine and a tasty dish.
2. Chocolate Week, London, UK
Chocolate Week in London is a week-long celebration featuring chocolate jewellery, art, and elaborate creations by chocolatiers and pastry makers. Enjoy tastings, a sophisticated afternoon tea, and inventive chocolate-infused dishes. Past events included workshops on tempering chocolate and crafting chocolate cocktails. The Chocolate Theatre showcases celebrity chefs creating culinary masterpieces.
Instagram/@chocolateweekuk
3. Indian Cacao & Craft Chocolate Festival, Bengaluru, India
The finest chocolate makers, cocoa farmers, chocolatiers, artisans, and professional experts, along with Indian and global chocolate lovers, are invited to taste and buy chocolates at different conferences and workshops related to chocolates.
4. Big Chocolate Show, New York, USA
Fall is an ideal time to visit New York, especially during the Big Chocolate Show, one of the top chocolate festivals in the USA. For two days, visitors can meet world-class chocolatiers, chefs, and patissiers. They can also enjoy tasting classes, cooking demos, and stunning chocolate creations on display.
5. Eurochocolate, Umbria, Italy
Since 1994, the world’s largest chocolate festival has been held in Umbria, Italy, every October and attracts more than half a million chocolate lovers. Cooking classes are followed by tasting sessions, sculpture-making with chocolates, and even melodious entertainment. It also organises an annual event, the Chocolate Makers’ Ball, which celebrates chocolatiers who employ novelties that include chocolate.
(Anasuya Suji Anil is a student of NIFT)