The sweet chestnut was introduced to Europe from the city of Sardis in Asia Minor, and was therefore known as Sardian nut. It spread to numerous countries and became an iconic street food. However, for a long time, chestnuts were considered food for poor people, that’s why their popularity declined. Nowadays, there’s no difference between poor and rich people when it comes to chestnuts, because everyone loves them for their tenderness and sweetness. That’s why the Chestnut Festival is so popular in France. Festive activities take place in every city, attracting millions of people. However, you should know that these nationwide festivities originated from the Chestnut Festival in Mourjou, where it’s called Foire de la châtaigne.
Foire de la châtaigne has been held in Mourjou every year since since 1990. Mourjou a small village with a population of about 360 people, but it’s known to be the French home of chestnuts. A group of young people established the festival in order to create a special festivity and revive the popularity of chestnuts. This festival is very successful with more than 20,000 people attending it every year. About 4,500 pounds of roasted chestnuts and 1,000 gallons of cider are consumed in this small village during the event.
The Chestnut Festival in Mourjou isn’t only about enjoying roasted chestnuts. The main attraction of the day is a huge market, which brings in about 80 exhibitors from different cities across France. Here you can find lots of different foods made with chestnuts: bread, pastries, chocolate, gingerbread cookies, chestnut liquor, jam. Vendors also sell raw chestnuts that you can roast yourself.
