The 15 Most Unusual Festivals from Around the World
La Tomatina – The World’s Largest Food Fight in Spain
Every year in August, the town of Buñol in Spain turns into a massive tomato battlefield. La Tomatina, a week-long celebration, culminates in a massive food fight where participants throw overripe tomatoes at each other. The event attracts thousands of visitors, making it a must-see spectacle for any fun-seeker.
Apart from the tomato throwing, La Tomatina also includes music, dancing, and a variety of tomato-based events. The festival is a brilliant way to let loose and enjoy some good, messy fun while experiencing Spanish culture and tradition.
The Monkey Buffet Festival – A Feast for Monkeys in Thailand
The Monkey Buffet Festival takes place in Lopburi, Thailand, where thousands of monkeys are treated to a sumptuous feast. Locals and tourists alike prepare an incredible spread of fruits, vegetables, and other treats for the hungry primates, who happily indulge in the feast.
This unique celebration is rooted in the belief that offering food to the monkeys brings good luck and prosperity. The event not only showcases the harmonious relationship between humans and animals but also provides an unforgettable experience for visitors to this charming Thai town.
The Battle of the Oranges – Italy’s Juicy War
Every year in February, the town of Ivrea, Italy, hosts the Battle of the Oranges. This historic event re-enacts a medieval battle with a twist – participants pelt each other with oranges instead of using weapons. The streets become awash with citrus as teams face off in a fruity frenzy.
Spectators can enjoy this vibrant event from the sidelines or participate in the action by joining a team. With music, food, and plenty of orange-themed fun, the Battle of the Oranges is a unique way to experience Italian history and culture.
The Baby Jumping Festival – Bizarre Baptism in Spain
The small village of Castrillo de Murcia in Spain is home to El Colacho, also known as the Baby Jumping Festival. During this peculiar event, men dressed as the devil jump over rows of babies laid on mattresses in the street. It is believed that this daring act cleanses the infants of original sin and protects them from evil.
Held annually in June, the festival also includes processions, music, and other festivities. If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, the Baby Jumping Festival is definitely one for the books.
The Naked Man Festival – Baring It All in Japan
In Japan, the Hadaka Matsuri, or Naked Man Festival, sees thousands of men wearing only loincloths gather to celebrate purification and fortune. Participants endure the cold weather and engage in various activities, including carrying a sacred mikoshi (portable shrine) and fighting for lucky charms thrown by priests.
Held at various locations across Japan, the most famous Hadaka Matsuri takes place in Okayama City in February. This unique and lively event is an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators, providing a fascinating insight into Japanese culture and tradition.
Cheese Rolling Festival – Extreme Dairy Racing in England
The annual Cheese Rolling Festival takes place at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, England. Brave participants chase a large wheel of cheese as it rolls down the steep hill, risking injury for the chance to win the coveted dairy prize. This quirky event draws huge crowds of spectators and competitors from all over the world.
Though the origins of the Cheese Rolling Festival are unclear, it has been a local tradition for centuries. With its thrilling action and unique charm, this event is a must-see for anyone looking for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Boryeong Mud Festival – Get Dirty in South Korea
Each summer, the Boryeong Mud Festival in South Korea draws massive crowds to its shores for a weekend of muddy fun. Participants enjoy mud baths, mud wrestling, and even mud slides as they cover themselves in the mineral-rich mud from Boryeong’s mud flats.
The festival also features live music, food, and various mud-themed activities for all ages. With its unique blend of fun and relaxation, the Boryeong Mud Festival is a perfect way to experience South Korea’s vibrant culture and let your inner child run wild.
The Night of the Radishes – Carving Masterpieces in Mexico
In Oaxaca, Mexico, the Night of the Radishes (Noche de Rábanos) is an annual event where locals showcase their incredible radish-carving skills. The giant radishes, some weighing up to 6 pounds, are transformed into intricate sculptures depicting scenes from Mexican culture, history, and folklore.
Held on December 23rd, the Night of the Radishes draws huge crowds of visitors who come to marvel at the impressive works of art. With its vibrant atmosphere and unique creativity, this event offers a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.
The World Bog Snorkeling Championship – Muddy Waters in Wales
In the small town of Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales, the World Bog Snorkeling Championship takes place every August. Competitors from around the globe don snorkels, masks, and flippers to navigate a muddy, water-filled trench cut through a peat bog. The goal is to complete the course as quickly as possible without using traditional swimming strokes.
This quirky event attracts a diverse crowd of participants and spectators, and also features live music, food, and other festivities. The World Bog Snorkeling Championship is a must-see for anyone seeking a truly unique sporting experience.
The World Worm Charming Championship – Wiggle Your Way to Victory in England
Held in the village of Willaston, England, the World Worm Charming Championship is an annual event where competitors use creative techniques to coax worms out of the ground. Contestants have 30 minutes to charm as many worms as possible, using vibrations and other methods to attract the wriggly creatures.
This eccentric event draws participants of all ages and has been a local tradition since 1980. With its friendly competition and unique charm, the World Worm Charming Championship offers a fun and unusual experience for all who attend.
The Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake – A Tasty Race Downhill in England
Each year, daring participants gather on Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, England, for the famous Cheese-Rolling and Wake. Competitors race down the steep hill, chasing a large wheel of cheese, in a thrilling and often chaotic pursuit. The winner, who catches the cheese or reaches the bottom first, takes home the tasty prize.
This historic event has been a local tradition for centuries and attracts thrill-seekers from around the world. With its unique blend of excitement and humor, the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake is an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike.
The International Hair Freezing Contest – Chilling Styles in Canada
At the Takhini Hot Springs in Yukon, Canada, the International Hair Freezing Contest challenges visitors to create the most impressive frozen hair sculptures. Participants soak in the hot springs, then style their wet hair in the freezing air, creating gravity-defying icy masterpieces.
Held annually in February, the contest attracts creative competitors from around the world. With its unique blend of fun and frosty artistry, the International Hair Freezing Contest offers an unforgettable winter experience for participants and spectators alike.
The Tunarama Festival – Tossing Tuna in Australia
The Tunarama Festival in Port Lincoln, Australia, celebrates the region’s thriving tuna industry with a unique event – the Tuna Toss. Competitors hurl large tuna fish as far as they can in this bizarre yet entertaining competition. The festival also features live music, food, and other ocean-themed activities.
Held annually in January, the Tunarama Festival is a fun-filled event that showcases the importance of the tuna industry to the local community. With its unique charm and entertaining competitions, this festival is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly Australian experience.
The Wife Carrying World Championship – Strong Marriages in Finland
Every July, the small Finnish town of Sonkajärvi hosts the Wife Carrying World Championship, a unique sporting event where men carry their wives or partners through an obstacle course. The couple who completes the course in the fastest time takes home the prestigious title and the wife’s weight in beer.
This quirky event attracts competitors from around the world and has become an international sensation. With its blend of humor, athleticism, and teamwork, the Wife Carrying World Championship is a must-see for anyone looking for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
The Crying Sumo Festival – Making Babies Cry for Luck in Japan
In Japan, the Crying Sumo Festival, or Naki Sumo, is a unique event where sumo wrestlers hold babies and try to make them cry. The festival, held annually in April, is rooted in the belief that a baby’s cries can drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune to the child and their family.
Participants and spectators gather at the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo to witness this unusual and entertaining event. With its fascinating blend of tradition, humor, and adorable babies, the Crying Sumo Festival is a must-see for anyone seeking a truly unique Japanese experience.
[ajax_load_more single_post=”true” single_post_order=”next”]
