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The days are warm, and the skies stay bright until late into the evening. Restaurants are open, bars are back in business, and it’s even been possible to catch a stray concert here and there.
But there’s one big roller-coaster-sized gap in this year’s proceedings. Europe without fests just feels…different. Fests are that perfect excuse to call up old friends you haven’t seen in ages, get together and stay up much too late for your own good. They’re times for foolish spending on rides that make you want to spill your guts, games of chance you just might win but probably won’t, and too many rounds of whatever the going beverage might be. At least our wallets have been safer this summer, to the detriment of those poor traveling souls who make their living bringing the fun of the fest to our hometowns.
Another fixture of the fest scene that’s sorely missed is the food stand. Indulging in a sweet bite or savory treat is a pillar of the fest-going experience for visitors of all ages. Repeat attendees eagerly flock to the booths of their favorite vendors year after year to sample the tastes they’ve been craving since these same folks upped stakes and pulled off to their next gig last season.
And oh what treats they bring us! The fluffy, hot fried dough known as Lángos. Foot-long spicy bratwursts brought to the perfect crisp. Paper-thin, crunchy Flammkuchen. Fruits dipped in chocolate and served on a spit. The mouth waters just thinking about these dishes that brighten up any visit to a volksfest, kerb, sagra or fête.
Which fest dish do you miss the most? I’m mourning the dearth of Backfish in my life. This is no particular type of fish you can go out and catch; rather, the term refers to several species of white fish fillet coated in batter, fried to perfection and served piping hot. This juicy, crispy fish can come in a bun, or alongside potato salad or French fries. Topped with remoulade or a garlicky mayonnaise, it’s the taste of fests, fun and the summer season at its best.
You may find your favorite fest foods on the menu of a restaurant or being sold from a stall at the weekly farmer’s market. However great the taste, without its festive backdrop, it’s just not the same. Coronavirus, go back into that deep dark cave you came from and never, ever come back!
