ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the role of culinary celebrations or food festivals as purveyors of local heritage. The primary importance in this chapter are food festivals and similar events where comestibles and the cultural heritage associated with them are the primary focus of the occasion. As an integral part of the human experience, food and foodways are also an important part of the heritage of humankind and something worthy of celebrating. Culinary festivals and similar events venerate local cuisine and foodways, food-associated culture, eating customs, preparation practices and social relations. The types of heritage food festivals of concern includes indigenous, immigrant, harvest, iconic food, cooking competitions, special-purpose events and festivals where food is secondary to other heritage characteristics. Finally to researchers and other observers, the power of food and cuisine festivals in promoting solidarity and group identity, and ultimately a greater sense of place, is paramount to many, if not everyone associated with gastronomic festivals.
