Festival of Saint Medir
Gracia, Barcelona
March 3
In 1828, a Barcelonan pastry chef was struck down by illness and prayed to Saint Medir, promising to embark on an annual pilgrimage when he was cured. Every year, la festa més dolça (the sweetest festival) honours his journey with a colourful parade, during which 60 tons of sweets are distributed among the crowds.
Tickets: Free
International Chocolate Salon
San Francisco
March 14
Now in its eighth year, the International Chocolate Salon is held in San Francisco’s Fort Mason Centre and promises a veritable bacchanal of cocoa-based items. There will be demos from celebrity chefs, new product launches, wine pairings, a chocolate art gallery, the best organic brands and, of course, chocolate tasting.
Tickets: $20 advance/$30 OTD
Roald Dahl Easter
Kew, London
April 5-21
To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Roald Dahl’s classic tale Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Kew Gardens is putting on a programme of Willy Wonka-inspired events. You’ll have the chance to invent tantalising sweet recipes, or design, make and package your own chocolate bar. There is even an Easter egg hunt on April 20.
Tickets: Free (except chocolate-making)
