Tag Archives: Tradition

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Best Oktoberfests Around the World

The original Oktoberfest has been held in Munich every September and October since 1810, and is the largest beer festival in the world. The city welcomes over six million visitors for the celebration, with this year’s event having just recently begun. However, if you are not able to make it to Germany in time for the most authentic Oktoberfest there is, then these are some other Oktoberfest festivals around the world that will still provide you with a similar experience.

People enjoying OktoberfestKitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Canada
The largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany, Kitchener and Waterloo are twin cities in Canada that have strong German roots, with Kitchener formerly being called Berlin. The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is a nine-day festival that is held over 18 days, and attracts over a million visitors each year. In addition to the beer-related events and entertainment, there are plenty of other Oktoberfest activities held in the two cities, from the Rocktoberfest concert to the Pancake Breakfast to the Oktoberfest Parade, which is the only major parade held on Canadian Thanksgiving Day.

Oktoberfest of Blumenau, Brazil
Held in the Brazilian city of Blumenau, in the region of Santa Catarina, Oktoberfest of Blumenau is the second largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany, and is held at the Germanic Village Park for 17 days. There are numerous traditional German activities held throughout the festival, which is the largest in Latin America, from folk dancing to shooting matches, and, of course, plenty of German food and beer. One of the most highly anticipated events here each year is the National Competition of Chopp in Meter Drinkers, in which competitors have to drink one meter of beer without stopping, with the competition being held each night, and the winner being the competitor who drinks their beer the fastest.

German Bierfest, Hong Kong
Considered to be the best Oktoberfest celebration in Asia, Hong Kong’s German Bierfest is being held this year from October to November, and features a number of different Bavarian events. Officially hosted at the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, although many other spots in the city will also be participating, German food and beer is accompanied by traditional folk music from the Notenhobler Band, which has been the official band of Hong Kong’s German Bierfest since 1994. Fun games and activities to look forward to include the strong man competition and the various beer drinking contests.

Oktoberfest celebrations
Oktoberfest Brisbane, Australia
The largest Oktoberfest celebration in Australia, Oktoberfest Brisbane attracts around 30,000 people each year, although they manage to maintain quite an intimate feel to the whole festival. Held over two weekends in October, the festival was first started by two Australian-German families, and while it may have had humble beginnings, it now always promises to be a fun-filled weekend. In addition to the German food and activities, Oktoberfest Brisbane also features traditional German beer that has been brewed specially for their event, and has been held to the exact same standards as the beer that has been brewed for Munich’s Oktoberfest.

There is no denying that for the most authentic Oktoberfest experience, Munich is the place to be. However, there is still plenty of authenticity to be found at the other Oktoberfests all over the world, so whether you happen to be in Hong Kong or Brisbane, you will still be able to enjoy a fun and exciting Oktoberfest.

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Highlights from La Tomatina 2016

La Tomatina Festival

Iakov Filimonov / Shutterstock.com

Held in the Valencian town of Bunol, La Tomatina is an annual food fight festival featuring tomatoes, and is held on the last Wednesday of August. The festival was first established in 1945, inspired by the way in which local children would have food fights in the tomato growing regions, and, ever since then, the festival has been one of the area’s favorite traditions.

Water and Wine Fight
The fun of La Tomatina always starts the night before the festival in an area called Requena, where the evening is spent having a few drinks in the streets with the locals. At 11pm, visitors watch a fake bullfight, meaning that no real bulls are actually used, and then, at 1am, everybody heads to the streets, following a grand brass band. This is when the wine and water fight stars, which, this year, was enjoyed by thousands of visitors.

Palo Jabon
The very first event on the morning of the festival, which this year occurred at around 10am, was the Palo Jabon. This event features a tall, two-storey high, greased up pole that has a cut of pork placed on top. The crowd bursts into song and dance as this is set up, after which someone from the town needs to climb the pole and knock the pork off the top. Once this has happened, water canons are set off, and this signifies the official start of La Tomatina, meaning that the tomato throwing will soon begin.

The Arrival of the Trucks
One of the rules of La Tomatina is that visitors need to make way for the trucks carrying the tomatoes, and, once these arrive, the excitement level dramatically rises. After the 175 tonnes of tomatoes have been unloaded, the crowd begin to hurl these at each other, although another rule is that the tomatoes have to be squashed beforehand in order to avoid injury. La Tomatina 2016 was most certainly thrilling, as the streets turned into a blur of red as thousands of people joined in this epic battle.

The Clean-Up
The actual tomato fight runs for about an hour, and gunshots are used to signify the end of the fight. Once the 2016 fight was over, the entire town square was covered in red tomato paste, and participants once again make way for the fire trucks who will be hosing the streets down. While you may expect there to be plenty of staining, the opposite actually happens, as the acidity in the tomatoes thoroughly clean any surface that they come into contact with. When it comes to the cleaning of the participants, locals that live in the area usually offer the use of their hoses so that visitors can quickly and easily clean themselves off.

In the past, visitor numbers to La Tomatina used to exceed 50,000, stretching the capacity of this small 9000 population town. However, in 2013, official ticketing was put into place, limiting the number of available tickets to just 20,000, meaning that if you hope to be able to attend next year, you will need to buy your tickets for this popular, one-of-a-kind festival well in advance.

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Singapore Food Festival

Chinatown. Singapore

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An annual event that is being held this year from the 15th to the 31st of July, the Singapore Food Festival is celebrated throughout the island of Singapore, consisting of food-related events, culinary workshops and demonstrations, themed celebrations and competitions. The main theme for the festival this year is “Savour the Past, Taste the Future”, highlighting Singapore’s local flavors while showcasing the innovative spirit of Singapore’s food scene.

STREAT
The signature event of the Singapore Food Festival each year, STREAT will be returning again in 2016, featuring award-winning local chefs. The event will feature a pop-up restaurant that will be serving up a specially curated five-course dinner that promises to elevate iconic street food dishes, and there will also be 10 popular hawker chefs present, cooking up a range of local and progressive dishes.

50 Cent Fest!
From the 30th to the 31st of July, Singapore’s Chinatown Food Street will be transformed into a foodie wonderland, lined with several delicious street stalls, as well as buskers and street entertainers. The local dishes on sale here will all be sold in small 50 cent portions, enabling visitors to really sample a different taste from each stall.

Open Stoves
Open Stoves is a special event that will be held from the 23rd to the 24th of July, and features a BBQ outdoor kitchen, live cooking demonstrations, live music from local bands, and even neon beer pong. This is a great event for those who want a behind-the-scenes peek into the kitchen, where resident and guest chefs will be creating new and innovative dishes in full view of their audience.

Recreating History
As Singapore has developed over the years, certain areas of the country, which were once go-to places for local dishes, lost their foodie charm. This year’s Singapore Food Festival aims to recreate that in certain areas of the country, bringing back the food stalls that once lined the Farrer Park district, as well as highlighting the heritage of certain eateries, such as the landmark hawker center, East Coast Lagoon Food Village.

Singapore Restaurant Month 2016
Singapore Restaurant Month runs in conjunction with the Singapore Food Festival and is part of the Health Promotion Board’s quest to encourage the public to eat healthier foods. There are 46 restaurants taking part in Singapore Restaurant Month, 10 of which are heritage establishments, and they have come up with 95 exclusive and wholesome dishes, which have been inspired by traditional local dishes. Each dish is under 500 calories, showing that it is most definitely possible for authentic local dishes to still be just as delicious, but much healthier. Some of the dishes that you can expect to sample are the Steamed Sea Bass with Spicy Chilli and Lime Sauce from Nara Thai, and the Eight Treasures Box filled with delicate steamed dumplings from Shin Yeh.

The Singapore Food Festival is always a highly anticipated event, with Singaporeans in general quite passionate about their food. Each of the special events that will be held in honor of the festival promise to not only showcase the way in which local food has held onto its heritage over the years, but also bring to light the innovative new dishes that have been putting Singapore at the forefront of the culinary world in recent years.

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Five Stars in London

The Savoy

Michaelpuche / Shutterstock.com

London’s luxury hotels stand out from those in other cities around the world, and this is because they are each embedded with such a deep sense of history and tradition, with many of them retaining characteristic features that date back to their Victorian and Edwardian days. From the townhouses of Brown’s to the historic Art Deco architecture of The Dorchester, these are some of the finest hotels in London.

Brown’s Hotel
Consisting of 11 townhouses just off Piccadilly, Brown’s Hotel was founded over 175 years ago, and has quite the unique history. Not only was it where Rudyard Kipling completed the Jungle Book, and where Agatha Christie spent many nights, but it was also from here that Alexander Graham Bell made the world’s first ever phone call. The hotel was renovated in 2005, but has retained many of its original features, but updated this with modern amenities, such as the interactive entertainment in each of the guest rooms and the plush marble bathrooms. When it comes to dining, guests have the option of the traditional tea room, or the hotel’s innovative British restaurant, complete with cocktail bar.

The Dorchester
The Dorchester’s Art-Deco building dates all the way back to 1931 and is situated on Park Lane, one of the most prestigious addresses in London. Each guest room is tastefully luxurious, filled with fabrics that have been specially commissioned, one-of-a-kind antique furniture pieces and the most comfortable of beds. When it comes to their dining options, the Dorchester is home to the only restaurant in the country that holds three Michelin stars, with its French cuisine promising to be some of the best you have ever tasted. The Dorchester Spa is another highlight of the hotel, and their range of treatments are beautifully rounded off with a visit to the Spatisserie for a glass of vintage champagne.

The Savoy
A world famous hotel, the Savoy has had a variety of influences over time, from English Edwardian touches to Art Deco flare, and it has managed to retain and combine these in a truly unique way. The hotel’s rooms and suites offer views out across some of the most famous of London landmarks, but it is the dining options that really set The Savoy apart from its competition. The hotel has always placed an emphasis on fine dining, ever since world-class chef Auguste Escoffier first set this standard in 1889. Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill is one of the most popular restaurants at the Savoy, featuring a British grill menu with some French influences. Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill is where guests go when they are after something slightly more informal, while those who want a sense of tradition, as well as one of the best roast dinners they will have ever tasted, head to Simpson’s in the Strand and the Knight’s Bar. The Savoy is also home to the American Bar, the oldest cocktail bar in the city, and is constantly pushing boundaries when it comes to innovations in mixology.

London is home to hotels that are not only some of the finest in the country, but also in the world, offering a level of high-class luxury that simply cannot be experienced elsewhere. With their history, tradition and thoughtful personal touches, you definitely will not go wrong by choosing one of these five-star hotels to stay at.

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Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan

Tenochtitlan

robert cicchetti / Shutterstock.com

Mexico City is steeped with a rich history, something that most travelers find joy in uncovering. However, what many do not realize is, Mexico City used to be part of a sprawling Aztec city, known as Tenochtitlan. While the majority of the remnants from the city’s Aztec past may now no longer exist, the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan, also known as Templo Mayor, is still able to be explored, and is an incredible way to immerse yourself in this long-ago era.

The Pyramid
The Great Pyramid is a four-stepped structure that stands around sixty meters high, and features two shrines at the top. These shrines are dedicated to Tlaloc, the God of fertility and rain, and Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec God of war and sun. However, when the Spanish conquered the region in 1521, the Great Pyramid was destroyed, along with the rest of Aztec civilization. Luckily, the Spanish were not able to remove all traces of it, and its ruins were later excavated for all to see.

Ancient Rituals
A visit to the Great Pyramid is a great way to learn about the ancient customs, beliefs and rituals of the region. While the front of the pyramid may be split by two staircases, each leading to one of the shrines at the top, there is also a gutter that runs down the middle. This is because a sacrificial altar lies at the summit of the pyramid, where human beings used to be sacrificed to the two Gods, after which the gutter would be used to wash away their blood. There are many other aspects to the pyramid that depict Aztec mythology, from the carved round stone that represents the severed limbs of the Aztec moon goddess, which now lives in the pyramid’s on-site museum, to the two snake heads that guard the main staircases, and also appear at a few other points around the pyramid.

Templo Mayor Museum
The Templo Mayor Museum is situated next to the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan, with the two of them together forming a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum was founded after researchers first began excavating the site, as they were discovering thousands of truly fascinating objects that they believed were a significant part of the human sacrifices that occurred at the pyramid. From masks to clay pots to obsidian knives, the objects displayed at the Templo Mayor Museum will give you an exciting insight into what really went on in the pyramid. Templo Mayor is still a site that is actively being researched and excavated, with new objects being discovered each day, so you never know what may have surfaced since your last visit.

When visiting the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan, it is usually a good idea to take a look around the Templo Mayor Museum first, as you will be able to see detailed scale models of what the city used to look like. This will give you a much better idea of what you are looking at when exploring the pyramid itself, as well as a great appreciation for the many objects that have been discovered hidden within its depths.

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Polynesian Cultural Center

Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii

Boykov / Shutterstock.com

Sprawled out across 42 acres, the Polynesian Cultural Center is a one-of-a-kind Polynesian-themed open-air park and living museum. Located in the northeast of Oahu, Hawaii, the Polynesian Cultural Center focuses on seven Polynesian island nations, each with their own traditional village that visitors can explore.

Island Villages
The seven Polynesian islands that are represented at the center are Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, Aotearoa, Tonga, Tahiti, and the Marquesas. Their individual villages are laid out in a way that makes it easy to explore one after the other, providing visitors with a unique insight into some of the true treasures of the South Pacific. Each village features cultural activities, demonstrations, and arts and crafts that come from their island, resulting in an excitingly diverse experience. From learning how to make coconut milk with your bare hands at the Samoa village to trying out the traditional log drum of Fiji to being taught a few basic hula movements, this is a great way to immerse yourself in authentic Polynesian culture. The center has recently introduced some new activities to some of the villages, with the most popular being learning how to make fire by rubbing two sticks together at the Samoa village, practicing Tahitian spear throwing with the locals, and taking a canoe tour all the way from one end of the center to the other.

Ali’i Luau
The luau is a tradition that dates back to ancient Hawaii, and the Polynesian Cultural Center’s award-winning Ali’i Luau is a fantastic way to take part in an authentic Hawaiian celebration. Set against a backdrop of lush tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls and a shimmering lagoon, the luau is held in a covered outdoor venue, with lively Hawaiian entertainment to enjoy alongside the authentic Hawaiian feast. The food is usually the highlight for most visitors, with the menu featuring dishes such as Kalua pork that has been slow-cooked over a stone fire, Shoyu-glazed chicken, Panko-crusted tropical fish with a tangy lemon butter sauce, and Poke, as well as a tantalizing selection of starches, side dishes and desserts. Since the Polynesian Cultural Center strives to be as authentic as possible, no alcohol is served at the luau, or anywhere else on the site.

Ha: Breath of Life
Every evening at 7:30pm, the Polynesian Cultural Center hosts an award-winning show in their 2800-seat theater, making it the only place on the island that casts over one hundred performers each and every night. Telling the story of islander Mana, the show combines traditional Polynesian dance with surround sound music, flaming knives, and special effects, with each production costing around $3 million to put on. Tickets are available by reservation only, so be sure to book well in advance if you want to be guaranteed some of the best seats in the house.

Since the tours and activities at the Polynesian Cultural Center only begin at noon, this gives visitors plenty of time to explore the surrounding areas in the morning. After this, the center will no doubt keep you busy for the rest of the day, with its village tours, traditional luau and award-winning show all worth experiencing.

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Kaas Shops & Dutch Cheeses

Cheese shop

The Netherlands is known for their cheese production, and chances are that you have already tried a few different Dutch cheeses. While the Netherlands may be one of the top cheese exporters in the world, the best way to experience fresh and authentic ‘kaas’ is by visiting different parts of the country, tasting regional cheeses and visiting local kaas shops.

Gouda
A mild, semi-hard cow’s milk cheese, Gouda is considered to be the king of Dutch cheeses. However, what many people do not realize until they actually visit the Netherlands is that there are actually six different types of Gouda, with each type being categorized by its age. Generally speaking, the younger the cheese is, the milder and softer it will be, and, as it ages, it takes on a sharper and nuttier flavor.

Edam
Edam makes up around a third of the cheese production in the Netherlands, and is the second most popular cheese after Gouda. Edam is also a semi-hard cheese, but has a lower fat content than most other traditional Dutch cheeses, boasting a mild, salty taste that appeals to just about everyone.

Nagelkaas
Nagelkaas, otherwise known as clove cheese, originated in the northeast of the country thanks to the Friesian people that used to live there. While it may be tasty and relatively popular, it can be quite difficult to find, so keep an eye out for it when visiting any kaas shops.

De Kaaskamer
Situated in Amsterdam, De Kaaskamer is one of the most popular and well-known cheese shops in the country. With a strong focus on tradition and craftsmanship, De Kaaskamer stocks over 400 different kinds of cheese from around the world, but specializes in local Dutch cheeses. If you are not able to take a full block of cheese away with you, the store also sells salads and sandwiches that can be made with the cheese of your choice, and they even shrink wrap cheeses if you are wanting to take them overseas.

Henri Willig Cheese & More
Another fantastic cheese shop with outlets all over the country, Cheese & More is a store that produces award-winning local cheeses, earning them a widespread international reputation. Some of their standout cheeses that have won awards include the goat cheese with fenugreek, the organic cow’s milk cheese with green pesto, and their unique baby Gouda.

Cheese Markets
If you would like to shop for cheese in a more traditional way, there are five authentic cheese markets in the Netherlands that still function as trading centers for cheese. The markets in Gouda and Woerden attract local cheesemakers who sell their products to wholesalers, while the markets in Alkmaar, Hoorn and Edam are known for their impressive demonstrations and traditional cheese stalls. Due to the seasonality of many of the cheeses, most of the markets are only open from late spring to early autumn, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Cheese is firmly rooted in the history of the Netherlands, and has become as strong a part of Dutch identity and culture as the windmills and wooden clogs. With a dairy industry that is valued at almost 8 billion Euros, it would seem as though the cheesemaking traditions of the Netherlands are going to stand strong for years to come.

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Top Oktoberfest Celebrations

Oktoberfest

Although it may have originated in Germany, Oktoberfest is now celebrated all over the world. No matter which continent you may be on, you can be sure that there will be a Bavarian bash hosted near you. Here are OROGOLD’s picks of the top Oktoberfest celebrations around the world.

Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada
The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Germany, making it the second largest in the world. Attracting around a million visitors each year, the festivities last for nine days, with the most popular feature being the Oktoberfest parade on Canadian Thanksgiving. The region has strong German roots, with Kitchener’s former name being Berlin, and not only do many of the residents have a German heritage, but they also speak the language. This all contributes towards the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest being truly authentic. With cultural attractions and a whole host of entertainment options, as well as plenty of German beer and food, this is an Oktoberfest celebration that you won’t want to miss!

Hong Kong, China
Home to the largest and most exciting Oktoberfest celebrations in Asia, Hong Kong has been holding their own festivities for over twenty years. Unlike the majority of Oktoberfest celebrations, the ones in Hong Kong stretch all the way into November, so you are bound to be able to find the time to attend one. Their oldest celebration is the Marco Polo German Bierfest, with the beer, including a special Oktoberfest version, being provided by Erdinger. With a German band, endless options of German cuisine, and a view overlooking the harbour, the Marco Polo German Bierfest is definitely one of OROGOLD’s favorite Oktoberfest events in Hong Kong. However, the city has a whole lot more to offer, with many other Oktoberfest celebrations. From Oktoberfest at the Happy Valley Racecourse to Beertopia to the quieter festivities at the Regal Airport Hotel, you will no doubt be spoiled for choice when deciding where to go.

Munich, Germany
No Oktoberfest list would be complete without mentioning the grandest, most popular celebration of all – the original Bavarian Oktoberfest. Held each year in Munich, over 6 million people attend the celebrations each year, making the most of the 17 days of beer-filled fun. The attractions seem almost endless, with great options for the whole family, from fairground rides to sideshows to games and competitions. The massive beer tents, all serving up Oktoberfest beers that have been brewed within the city limits of Munich, welcome thousands at a time, while the traditional food served up, from the sausages to the roast pork to the potato pancakes, will be some of the best German cuisine that you will ever try.

Oktoberfest is a significant part of Bavarian culture, with celebrations dating all the way back to 1810. For those of you that have never attended an Oktoberfest celebration, it is something that OROGOLD highly recommends, not only for the fun that you will have, but also for an authentic taste of German culture and tradition.

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Beer Gardens Around the World

Friends having beer in a beer garden.

The concept of beer gardens originated in Germany, when brewers along the Isar River began selling their beer directly out of their cellars, setting up a couple of benches outside to ensure their success. Today, beer gardens can be found in so many different countries, each one putting their own spin on this German tradition.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ, Amsterdam, Holland
Brouwerij ‘t IJ first opened its doors in 1985, at a time when microbreweries were becoming more popular due to a general dissatisfaction with the bigger brands. Since all of their beers are not only brewed on site, but are also completely organic, Brouwerij ‘t IJ has become one of the top drinking spots in Amsterdam. Both the brewery and beer house have been created from an old bath house, with the brewery being available to tour before you sit down next to the giant windmill for a drink. While the beverage menu may be mind-bogglingly extensive, OROGOLD highly recommends that you give the organic Zatte a try, as this was the first beer that was brewed on site in 1985.

Luong Son, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
This buzzing beer garden in the heart of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City is just as popular with tourists as it is with the locals. It is as casual as beer gardens get, with hundreds of plastic chairs and communal wooden benches. Here, classic Vietnamese beers are served up alongside barbecue dishes that are cooked on tabletop grills. The food is exquisite and the choices are great for those that want to try something different, as well as for those that want to stick with something known. Ranging from garlic beef skewers to deep fried scorpion to pig’s stomach, whatever you choose to order, OROGOLD highly recommends a pitcher of Saigon to wash it all down.

Hirschgarten, Munich, Germany
No list of beer gardens would be complete without a mention of one of the many in Germany. Hirschgarten in Munich is the largest in the country, seating over 8000 people. This is one of the country’s most historic beer gardens, with 200-year-old chestnut trees providing a canopy of shade, and the game reserve next to the beer garden, with their freely roaming deer, offering up some beautiful views. There are both self-service and tableside options, with the refreshing Augustiner beer being served straight from the cask. While drinking, OROGOLD recommends ordering some of their freshly made local snacks, such as the baked pretzels, roast pork, or homemade cakes and ice cream. This is also a beer garden that has stuck to one of their oldest traditions – customers are allowed to bring in their own food to eat, with only cold drinks and beer needing to be purchased from the venue itself.

Beer gardens are a great German tradition that have now spread all over the world. Whether you’re after a quick drink after work, or a leisurely lunch with a couple of pitchers on a Sunday afternoon, check out your local beer gardens the next time you are heading out for a brew.

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Floating Markets Around the World

While your weekly shopping trip may involve driving to the grocery store and walking down the many aisles, others around the world are rowing to their local market, which happens to be floating on the local river, with vendors selling items straight out of their boats. Although many of them are now more tourist attractions than community markets, they are still an experience not to be missed. OROGOLD takes a look at some of the best floating markets around the world.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand
Located about 100km to the southwest of Bangkok, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is probably the most famous in the world, and you are likely to have already seen photographs of it in many travel magazines. The market is a huge tourist attraction in the region, so OROGOLD would recommend that you visit early in the morning, before the crowds, and the scorching heat, arrive. A boat can be hired from the nearby piers, and these will take you into the market, where you can browse the goods on display and haggle for the best price. Beyond the market, you will find the residential canals, which are much more peaceful if you want a relaxing boat ride after the bustle of the market.

The Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

The Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Since canals in the Mekong Delta region are the most convenient form of transportation, floating markets are extremely popular. The biggest one in the Mekong Delta is Phung Hiep, which is usually open from 4am to 11am, and by sunrise, the waterways are clogged with local sampan boats selling their goods. As shoppers make their way through the boats on their own sampans, they stop along the way to sample bowls of fresh noodles cooked over an open flame on some of the boats. Cai Be is another floating market in the area, with over 400 boats selling fresh fruit, vegetables and other produce. The biggest wholesale market in the region, many of the traders live on their boats, and there are also many ‘taxi’ boats for tourists who want to further explore the area.

Floating Market, Curacao

Floating Market, Curacao
Although it may be called a floating market, the Curacao floating market stalls are actually all firmly on land, but all of their produce is brought over daily from Venezuela by boat, which is where the term floating market comes in. These traditional wooden boats have been serving the market for generations, and the market is still as vibrant and bustling as ever. OROGOLD recommends visiting some of the stalls right by the waterfront, where they will not only sell you the catch of the day, but also clean and fillet the fish in any way you desire.

With regular grocery stores on the rise all over the world, traditional floating markets are, unfortunately, quickly becoming a thing of the past. However, in Asia in particular, you will still be able to find quite a few that are still used by locals, and there really is no better way to experience another culture’s lifestyle than to visit their local floating market.