International Mustard Festivals: A Celebration of All Things Mustard

Mustard isn’t just a condiment—it’s a cultural phenomenon. From its humble beginnings as a tiny seed to its transformation into a tangy, spicy, or sweet sauce, mustard has inspired festivals, competitions, and even museums around the globe. If you’re a mustard lover (or just someone who appreciates quirky food festivals), you’ll want to add these mustard-centric celebrations to your bucket list. Let’s take a tour of the world’s most exciting mustard festivals!

1. National Mustard Day – Middleton, Wisconsin, USA

Every first Saturday in August, the Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, hosts [National Mustard Day](https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-mustard-day-first-saturday-in-august#:~:text=National Mustard Day on the,seeds of the mustard plant.), a celebration that draws thousands of mustard enthusiasts from across the country. Founded by Barry Levenson, the Mustard Museum boasts over 5,000 varieties of mustard, and this festival is the ultimate showcase of its collection.

• Highlights: Mustard tastings, live music, mustard-themed games, and a “Poupon U” graduation ceremony for mustard lovers.

• Must-Try: Sample unique flavors like blueberry mustard, champagne mustard, or even spicy sriracha mustard.

• Fun Fact: The festival once set a world record for the most people who were simultaneously eating mustard!
  

2. Mustard Seed Festival – Saskatchewan, Canada

In Saskatchewan, Canada, the Mustard Seed Festival celebrates the province’s status as one of the world’s largest producers of mustard seeds. This family-friendly event combines agriculture, food, and fun.

• Highlights: Farm tours, mustard seed art exhibits, and cooking demonstrations.

• Must-Try: Mustard-cured trout, mustard butter chicken, and mustard-infused rice.

• Fun Fact: Saskatchewan produces over half of the world’s mustard seeds!
  

3. Cremona Mustard Festival – Cremona, Italy

The mustard is a typical Lombard product, originating from the city of Cremona and part of its culinary history. Its origins are ancient, with references dating back to the Middle Ages. It is made with mixed fruit cut into large pieces or left whole, accompanied by mustard, creating a balance of sweet and spicy flavours. The Cremona Mustard Festival is celebrated every year in November.

Highlights: Tastings, food and wine experiences, and digital explorations of Cremona’s mustard-making history.

Must-Try: Traditional Cremonese mustard with local cheeses.

Fun Fact: Cremonese mustard has been appreciated by many musicians and writers, with some claiming that the fruits in it are "too beautiful to eat."

4. Dijon International Gastronomy Fair – Dijon, France

Each year, the International Gastronomy Fair draws a crowd of over 200,000 people to Dijon, the heart of Burgundy. It features hundreds of booths from both amateur and professional chefs, with plenty of dishes to try for free.

Highlights: Live cooking demos, free tastings, and an exploration of Dijon’s gastronomic heritage.

Must-Try: Traditional Dijon mustard paired with charcuterie.

Fun Fact: There’s a lot more to Dijon than mustard, and this festival showcases its rich culinary culture beyond just condiments.

5. Bautzen Mustard Week – Bautzen, Germany

Did you know that Bautzen mustard has been around for more than 150 years? Today, it's hard to imagine life without the small grains with the big flavour. During Bautzen Mustard Week, a special kind of gourmet festival, visitors can experience innovative mustard flavours like mustard ice cream and mustard cocktails.

Highlights: Mustard tastings, unique mustard-infused dishes, and live cooking sessions.

Must-Try: Mustard ice cream and mustard cocktails.

Fun Fact: Bautzen mustard has been a favorite among German households for over a century.

6. Napa Valley Mustard Festival – Napa Valley, United States

Napa Valley isn’t just about wine—it’s also home to the Great Mustard Competition, a festival that celebrates the art of mustard-making. Held in conjunction with the Napa Valley Mustard Festival, this event showcases the region’s blooming mustard fields and culinary creativity.

• Highlights: Mustard tastings, cooking competitions, and art exhibits inspired by the vibrant yellow mustard flowers.

• Must-Try: Wine-infused mustards that highlight Napa Valley’s dual love for wine and condiments.

• Fun Fact: Mustard plants are often used as cover crops in vineyards to enrich the soil and prevent erosion.
  

Why We Love Mustard Festivals

Mustard festivals are more than just a celebration of a condiment—they’re a testament to the versatility, history, and cultural significance of mustard. Whether you’re sampling exotic flavours, learning about mustard’s rich heritage, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, these festivals are a must-visit for food lovers everywhere.

So, grab a bottle of your favourite mustard or mustard oil, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the world’s most exciting mustard celebrations. Who knew a tiny seed could bring so much joy?