From the tomato fight at La Tomatina in Spain to the Wife-Carrying World Championships in Finland, these ten strange festivals around the world offer a unique experience for travelers looking for something out of the ordinary. Other festivals include the Day of the Dead in Mexico, Holi in India, and the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand. Some festivals are centered around food fights, while others offer cultural celebration with stunning visuals. These festivals are just a sampling of the many unique and fascinating events you can experience worldwide. If you’re feeling adventurous, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
10 Strange Festivals Around the World That Will Leave You Stunned
1. La Tomatina, Spain
Over 20,000 participants gather in the small town of Buñol in Valencia, Spain, on the last Wednesday of August each year to participate in the world-famous tomato fight. During La Tomatina, tons of ripe tomatoes are tossed among revelers for one hour, creating a massive, tomatoey mess. It’s the ultimate food fight.
2. Monkey Buffet Festival, Thailand
Every November, the monkeys of Lopburi, Thailand, are treated to a feast. The Monkey Buffet Festival sees over 4,000 kilograms of fruit, vegetables, and sticky rice laid out for the town’s monkeys to enjoy. The festival is such a hit that it’s become a tourist attraction.
3. The Day of the Dead, Mexico
The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a festival to honor the dead that is celebrated throughout Mexico. It’s an elaborate and colorful celebration that typically involves building altars to the dead, decorating graves and tombstones, and making offerings of food and drink. The festival is usually celebrated on November 1st and 2nd.
4. Holi, India
The Festival of Colors, also known as Holi, is a Hindu festival that’s celebrated annually in India and Nepal. It’s a festival of love, happiness, and the triumph of good over evil. People splash colored powder and water at each other, dance to music, and eat traditional sweets.
5. Wife-Carrying World Championships, Finland
The Wife-Carrying World Championships are a wacky annual event that take place in Sonkajärvi, Finland. During the event, male competitors carry a female teammate over a 253.5-meter obstacle course. The winner receives their wife’s weight in beer.
6. Songkran Water Festival, Thailand
The Songkran Water Festival is the world’s largest water fight, celebrated across Thailand every April. During the festival, people throw water at each other in the streets, as a symbol of cleansing and renewal. The festival also involves cultural activities, such as visiting temples and paying respects to Buddha.
7. Day of the Candles Festival, Colombia
On December 7th each year, the Day of the Candles Festival takes place in the small Colombian village of Quimbaya. The festival is to honor the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, and involves decorating the streets, houses, trees, and park with candles and paper lanterns. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful sight.
8. Cheese Rolling Festival, England
Every year, the people of the village of Brockworth, England, hold the Cheese Rolling Festival. In the festival, competitors chase a cheese wheel down a hill that is steep and dangerous. The first person to catch the cheese is the winner. The festival has been taking place since the 1800s.
9. Battle of the Oranges, Italy
The Battle of the Oranges is a massive food fight that takes place each year during the carnival of Ivrea, Italy. During the event, participants pelt each other with oranges, representing a medieval rebellion against tyrannical lords. It’s said to be the largest food fight in Italy.
10. Vigil of the Little Candle, Colombia
The Vigil of the Little Candle is a Colombian holiday that takes place on December 7th. On the night before, people light candles and paper lanterns to decorate their homes, streets, and public spaces. The festival is a tribute to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.
Conclusion
These ten strange festivals around the world are just a sampling of the many unique and fascinating events you can experience. Whether you’re interested in food fights, water fights, or cultural celebrations, there’s something out there for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
