Some unique and interesting traditions from around the world include baby-jumping in Spain, where men dressed as devils jump over babies to protect them from evil spirits. In Buñol, Spain, La Tomatina is a festival where participants engage in a massive tomato fight. In Malaysia, Thaipusam sees devotees piercing their bodies with hooks and skewers as an act of devotion. In England, locals participate in a cheese-rolling competition where the winner gets to take home a cheese wheel. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead honors deceased loved ones with altars and offerings. And in Greece, it is a tradition to dye eggs red for Easter, symbolizing the blood of Christ. Other unique traditions include a monkey buffet festival in Thailand, throwing plates in Denmark, fire-walking in Greece, and finger-pulling in Austria. These traditions showcase the culture and diversity of different countries around the world.
1. Baby-jumping in Spain
In the small village of Castrillo de Murcia in northern Spain, there is a unique tradition known as “baby-jumping.” During the annual Corpus Christi festival, babies born in the past year are laid on mattresses in the street, and men dressed as the devil jump over them. It is believed that this act cleanses the babies of original sin and protects them from evil spirits.
2. La Tomatina in Spain
La Tomatina is an annual festival held in the town of Buñol, Spain, where participants engage in a massive tomato fight. Thousands of people gather on the streets to throw ripe tomatoes at each other, creating a sea of red mush. This tradition has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.
3. Thaipusam in Malaysia
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated by the Tamil community in Malaysia. Devotees pierce their bodies with hooks and skewers as a form of penance and to seek blessings from the deity Murugan. They then carry kavadis, elaborate structures adorned with decorations and offerings, while walking barefoot to temples as an act of devotion.
4. Cheese rolling in England
Every year in the village of Brockworth, Gloucestershire, England, locals participate in a cheese-rolling competition. A wheel of cheese is rolled down a steep hill, and contestants chase after it, with the goal of catching the cheese. The winner gets to take home the cheese wheel as a prize.
5. Day of the Dead in Mexico
The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday that honors deceased loved ones. Families create altars with photos, candles, and offerings of food and drink to welcome the spirits of the dead back to the world of the living. It is a celebration of life and a way to remember and honor those who have passed away.
6. Red-painted eggs in Greece
In Greece, it is a tradition to dye eggs red for Easter. The red color symbolizes the blood of Christ and the resurrection. After the midnight church service on Easter Sunday, people crack their eggs against each other to see whose egg will remain uncracked, with the winner said to have good luck for the coming year.
7. Monkey buffet festival in Thailand
In the town of Lopburi, Thailand, locals celebrate the annual Monkey Buffet Festival by laying out a feast for the resident macaque monkeys. Tables filled with fruits, vegetables, and even desserts are set up for the monkeys to enjoy. The festival is a way to thank the monkeys for bringing tourism to the area.
8. Throwing plates in Denmark
In Denmark, it is a tradition to save up broken dishes throughout the year and then throw them at the front doors of friends and family on New Year’s Eve. The more broken dishes on your doorstep, the more popular you are said to be. It is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits for the coming year.
9. Fire-walking in Greece
On the island of Chios in Greece, the residents participate in a unique Easter tradition known as Rouketopolemos. Two rival churches engage in a “rocket war” by launching homemade fireworks across the sky, with the goal of hitting the opponent’s bell tower. It is a thrilling and dangerous spectacle that attracts spectators from far and wide.
10. Finger-pulling in Austria
In the town of Hinterglemm, Austria, the annual Fingerhakeln World Championships take place, where competitors engage in the traditional sport of finger-pulling. Two opponents sit facing each other and hook their fingers together, trying to pull the other across the table. It is a test of strength and endurance, with the winner being crowned the Fingerhakeln champion.