Did you know there’s a festival in Spain where men dressed as devils literally leap over babies? That’s just one example of the many weird festivals around the world that push the boundaries of tradition and celebration. Get ready to explore the wonderfully strange side of global culture.
Picture this: Thousands of people hurling tomatoes in the streets, mud-covered bodies sliding down giant inflatable courses, and entire towns engaged in massive orange-throwing battles. These aren’t scenes from some bizarre alternate universe—they’re real festivals happening right now across our peculiar planet.
These extraordinary celebrations aren’t just about creating Instagram-worthy moments. Each festival tells a unique story, whether it’s:
- Ancient fertility rituals in Japan featuring giant wooden phalluses
- Near-death survivors parading in coffins through Spanish streets
- Musicians performing underwater in the Florida Keys
- Competitors racing through Welsh peat bogs with snorkels
Beyond their shock value, these festivals offer a fascinating glimpse into humanity’s creative spirit. They showcase how different cultures process everything from death to fertility, from religious devotion to pure entertainment.
Ready for a wild ride? We’re diving into 20 weird festivals around the world where the bizarre becomes sacred and the absurd turns into cherished tradition. Pack your sense of adventure—and maybe a poncho. These events prove that human creativity knows no limits when it comes to celebration.
1. La Tomatina
Imagine this: 20,000 people armed with 145,000 pounds of squished tomatoes, ready to paint the town red—literally. In the charming Spanish town of Buñol, La Tomatina transforms pristine streets into a slippery, crimson battleground every last Wednesday of August.
The world’s biggest food fight started from a playful dispute in 1945 when local youth crashed a parade and began throwing vegetables at each other from a nearby market stall. The tomato-throwing chaos caught on, becoming an annual tradition that attracts thrill-seekers from around the globe.
Graham McLellan licensed under Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Today’s battle has some rules:
- Squish tomatoes before throwing to prevent injuries
- No ripping clothes or aggressive behavior
- Stop throwing when you hear the second water cannon
- Wear goggles to protect your eyes
The hour-long frenzy leaves Buñol’s streets cleaned by the tomatoes’ natural acidity, while participants emerge looking like walking bruschetta—covered head to toe in pulpy remains of Spain’s favorite fruit.
2. Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival)
Imagine this: 9,000 men stripped down to fundoshi (traditional loincloths), charging through freezing temperatures in pursuit of sacred wooden sticks. This isn’t a bizarre dream – it’s Japan’s centuries-old Hadaka Matsuri.
The most famous celebration takes place at Okayama’s Saidaiji Temple, where participants brave the winter chill in a ritual dating back 500 years. At the stroke of midnight, priests toss blessed wooden sticks (shingi) into the crowd. Catching these tokens promises a year of happiness – if you survive the chaos.
Mstyslav Chernov licensed under Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
The festival’s near-naked state symbolizes the stripping away of social status, creating raw spiritual energy. Participants purify themselves with ice-cold water before joining this wild scramble, their bodies marked with intricate talismans for protection.
This spiritual mosh pit might seem chaotic, but it follows strict rules:
- Only men aged 23 or older can participate
- No alcohol allowed
- Specific times for purification rituals
- Designated areas for different groups of participants
3. Boryeong Mud Festival
Imagine this: thousands of people joyfully rolling around in mineral-rich mud like happy piglets at a spa. Welcome to South Korea’s messiest party – the Boryeong Mud Festival.
What began as a clever marketing strategy for local cosmetics in 1998 has now transformed into a mud-soaked extravaganza attracting millions of visitors to this coastal city. The main attraction? Gray mud sourced from the Boryeong flats, filled with minerals that would make any skincare lover swoon.
Activities at the Festival
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at the festival, including:
- Mud pools deeper than your average bathtub
- Wrestling matches where everyone’s a slippery opponent
- Giant slides that send you sailing through mud rivers
- K-pop concerts where dancing clean is not an option
The festival has earned its nickname “Mud Woodstock” – though instead of peace and music, you’ll find face masks and mud massages. Local beauty experts swear by the mud’s ability to detoxify skin and reduce wrinkles. Whether that’s true or not, you’ll never see so many adults looking this happy to be completely filthy.
4. Baby Jumping Festival (El Colacho)
In the quiet Spanish village of Castrillo de Murcia, a peculiar ritual unfolds each June during the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi. Men dressed as El Colacho – the Devil – leap over rows of squirming infants laid on mattresses in the street.
This 400-year-old tradition sees babies born in the previous twelve months placed on plush mattresses while yellow-and-red-clad devils vault over them. The ritual supposedly cleanses the infants of original sin and protects them from illness.
Despite raised eyebrows from the Catholic Church and safety concerns from onlookers, locals insist no baby has ever been harmed. Parents eagerly participate, believing the ancient custom brings good fortune to their little ones.
The spectacle draws curious visitors who witness this bizarre blend of religious devotion and theatrical performance, complete with whip-cracking devils who terrorize the crowd between jumps.
5. Monkey Buffet Festival
Imagine this: 4,000 monkeys feasting on two tons of fruits, vegetables, and sticky rice spread across elaborate buffet tables in ancient temple ruins. This strange scene happens every year in Lopburi, Thailand, where locals throw a feast for their monkey neighbors.
The macaque monkeys of Lopburi’s Phra Prang Sam Yot temple enjoy their grand banquet with beautifully arranged tables and ice sculptures. These playful guests aren’t too concerned about being polite – they grab, throw, and scatter their food while amused tourists capture pictures of the mayhem.
This unusual tradition brings a lot of money from tourism to Lopburi, turning what could be seen as a monkey “problem” into a popular attraction. Local businesses do well during the festival season, with hotels and restaurants serving visitors eager to see this one-of-a-kind sight of monkeys claiming their feast like spoiled diners at an upscale restaurant.
6. Thaipusam Festival
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival that pushes human endurance to its limits. During this time, devotees pierce their bodies with metal skewers, carry elaborate kavadis (ceremonial burdens), and walk for miles in a trance-like state.
In Malaysia’s Batu Caves and Singapore’s Little India, this spectacular display of faith draws thousands of spectators who witness:
- Devotees carrying structures weighing up to 100 pounds
- Intricate body piercings with hooks, spears, and needles
- Participants walking on burning coals
- Vibrant processions accompanied by rhythmic drums
The festival honors Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war, with participants entering meditative states through fasting and prayer before their physical trials. Despite its intense nature, devotees report feeling no pain during their spiritual journey—a phenomenon that continues to mystify medical experts.
The festival’s raw intensity and spiritual devotion create an atmosphere unlike any other religious celebration, drawing curious onlookers and spiritual seekers from across the globe.
7. Day of the Geese (Dia del Ganso)
In the quaint Spanish town of Anguiano, horseback riders engage in a peculiar test of skill and bravery. A live goose, now replaced with a deceased one due to animal welfare concerns, hangs suspended over the rushing river below.
Riders gallop at full speed across a bridge, attempting to snatch the goose’s head while maintaining their balance. The tradition dates back to medieval times when young men would prove their worth through this daring feat.
The modern version maintains the spectacle while adapting to contemporary sensibilities. Local regulations ensure both rider and animal safety, transforming what was once a raw display of machismo into a regulated sporting event that draws curious spectators from across Spain.
8. Kanamara Matsuri (Festival of the Steel Phallus)
In Kawasaki, Japan, a unique spring festival adds a new twist to the term “fertility festival.” The Kanamara Matsuri turns the city into a vibrant display of pink and purple phallic symbols, adorning everything from sweets to carved vegetables.
Origins of the Festival
The festival’s roots can be traced back to a local legend involving a demon with sharp teeth hiding in a woman’s private area. To defeat the demon, a blacksmith fashioned an iron phallus, which ultimately led to the shrine’s reputation for warding off illness and promoting fertility.
A Celebration of Tradition and Modernity
Today, the festival combines age-old customs with contemporary elements. Tourists capture moments with oversized penis statues, while locals proudly carry three sacred phalluses through the streets. The highlight is “Elizabeth,” an enormous pink steel monument that attracts international visitors who support HIV/AIDS research by attending the event.
This bold celebration serves as a reminder that even the quirkiest traditions can convey powerful messages about health, reproduction, and community unity.
9. Night of the Radishes (Noche de los Rábanos)
Imagine this: skilled artisans hunched over giant radishes, carving intricate scenes of Mexican history, nativity displays, and mythological figures—all from humble root vegetables.
In Oaxaca City’s zócalo, the Night of the Radishes transforms December 23rd into a surreal vegetable art gallery. These aren’t your average salad radishes—they’re specially grown monsters weighing up to 6 pounds each.
The tradition began in 1897 when local merchants carved radishes to attract Christmas market shoppers. Today, artists spend hours creating temporary masterpieces that last just hours before wilting. They compete for prizes while crafting detailed dioramas depicting:
- Religious scenes
- Indigenous folklore
- Local architecture
- Historical events
The radishes’ natural red-and-white coloring creates striking contrasts in these temporary sculptures, drawing thousands of spectators to witness this peculiar blend of agriculture and artistry.
10. Air Guitar World Championships
In the chilly Finnish city of Oulu, invisible strings and phantom frets take center stage at the Air Guitar World Championships. Competitors from across the globe unleash their inner rock stars, shredding imaginary guitars with theatrical moves that would make Jimi Hendrix proud.
Judges score participants on technical merit, stage presence, and that ineffable quality known as “airness.” Each performer gets 60 seconds to dazzle the crowd with their make-believe musical mastery. The competition’s motto? “Make Air, Not War.”
The annual event transforms ordinary people into leather-clad rock gods, complete with dramatic facial expressions and gravity-defying jumps. Winners don’t just claim bragging rights – they earn the coveted “Air Guitar World Champion” title and a hand-crafted electric guitar (which, ironically, some champions can’t actually play).
11. Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling
Imagine this: A 9-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese racing down a steep hill at speeds up to 70 mph, with brave (or maybe crazy) runners tumbling after it. Welcome to Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, England.
This tradition, which has been around for centuries, attracts thousands of spectators who watch competitors risk injuries and embarrassment. The rules are simple – catch the cheese. But in reality, it’s nearly impossible. The cheese gets a one-second head start, and gravity does its thing.
Race Day Stats:
- Hill gradient: 45-degrees
- Cheese speed: Up to 70 mph
- Common injuries: Sprains, concussions, broken bones
- Prize: The cheese wheel itself (worth about £50)
Local legend says that this tradition started with ancient fertility rituals or pagan ceremonies. But nowadays, participants are more interested in the thrill of catching the cheese and the bragging rights that come with surviving the descent.
The dangerous nature of this event has only made it more popular, turning this quirky local custom into an international phenomenon that attracts thrill-seekers from all over the world.
12. The Vegetarian Festival (Phuket)
Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival is a unique event where participants demonstrate their devotion through extreme acts such as face piercing and firewalking, all while following a strict vegetarian diet.
This nine-day festival attracts thousands of spectators who come to witness these extraordinary displays of faith rooted in Chinese-Thai traditions. The participants believe that by enduring these intense physical challenges, they can purify their souls and bring blessings to their communities.
Origins and Significance
The festival originated in 1825 when a Chinese opera troupe performed ritualistic self-mutilation to protect against an outbreak of disease. Today, the streets are filled with the aroma of incense and vegetarian delicacies, as mediums enter trance states to connect with Chinese deities and perform astonishing acts of endurance.
Festival Highlights
- Face piercing with various objects
- Firewalking ceremonies at local temples
- Spirit medium possessions and supernatural demonstrations
- Strict vegetarian food rules for enhanced spiritual cleansing
To understand more about the spiritual significance of the festival or delve into its socio-cultural impacts, further research can provide valuable insights.
13. World Toe Wrestling Championships
In the small village of Fenny Bentley, Derbyshire, athletes come together every year to compete in what may be the most unusual sporting event in Britain. Instead of using their arms, competitors engage in a toe wrestling match, where they lock their largest toes in a battle of strength reminiscent of arm wrestling.
The Competitors
Known as “toe-talitarian” masters, participants compete in separate divisions for men and women.
The Rules
Here’s how the competition works:
- Contestants take their seats on the “toedium” (a specially designed wrestling platform).
- They intertwine their big toes.
- The objective is to forcefully push down the opponent’s foot against the side board.
Legendary athletes like Alan “Nasty” Nash, who held multiple world titles, have emerged from this championship. Despite its playful nature, toe wrestlers approach the sport with utmost seriousness, dedicating themselves to year-round training in order to perfect their foot skills.
The event attracts both intrigued spectators and passionate athletes from around the world, demonstrating that even the most unexpected body parts can ignite fierce rivalry.
14. Redhead Days Festival
Imagine this: thousands of red-haired people coming together in the beautiful Dutch city of Breda, creating a sea of copper, auburn, and strawberry-blonde colors. The Redhead Days Festival turns the streets into a celebration of genetic uniqueness – only 1-2% of the world’s population has natural red hair.
Participants come from over 80 countries to this free festival, transforming the city into a lively display of ginger pride. The event includes:
- Red-themed art exhibitions
- “Most Wanted” redhead photo shoots
- Carrot tossing competitions
- Speed-dating exclusively for redheads
- Lectures on red hair genetics
The festival began in 2005 when Dutch painter Bart Rouwenhorst put out a call for redhead models. What started as a small gathering of 150 people has now grown into a global phenomenon, attracting more than 40,000 visitors each year. Local businesses join in on the celebration by offering red-themed menus, decorations, and special discounts for “gingers.”
15. The Silent Festival (Auroville)
In the experimental township of Auroville, India, a radical celebration unfolds without a single sound. The Silent Festival transforms the bustling spiritual community into a sanctuary of pure stillness, where participants communicate solely through gestures and written notes.
For 24 hours, festival-goers embrace complete silence while engaging in:
- Collective meditation sessions
- Silent art creation workshops
- Mindful walking through the Matrimandir gardens
- Shared meals eaten in contemplative quiet
This unique gathering draws spiritual seekers worldwide to experience what organizers call “the loudness of silence.” Against the backdrop of Auroville’s distinctive architecture, participants discover how the absence of speech amplifies inner awareness and creates unexpected connections with fellow festival-goers.
The festival challenges the notion that celebrations need noise and spectacle. In the sacred silence of Auroville, a profound party emerges through shared stillness and synchronized breath.
16. The Burning of Judas
Picture this: giant paper-mache figures dangling from buildings across Latin American towns, ready to burst into flames. Each Easter Sunday, communities gather to watch these Judas effigies – often crafted to resemble local politicians or notorious figures – explode in a spectacular display of fireworks and fire.
Mexico’s Unique Twist
Mexico has its own special way of celebrating this tradition. Skilled artisans spend weeks meticulously crafting intricate figures that can reach heights of 20 feet. These creations are filled with sawdust and firecrackers, adding an element of surprise to the spectacle.
A Blend of Cultures
This ritual is not just a simple act of burning an effigy; it carries deeper meanings. It combines ancient pre-Hispanic purification ceremonies with Catholic symbolism, creating a powerful fusion of beliefs. The streets become stages for this dramatic cleansing ritual, where the old meets the new.
Cheering for Change
As each Judas figure goes up in flames, onlookers erupt in cheers. They believe that the fire has the power to cleanse their communities of evil and corruption. It’s a collective act of defiance against societal issues, an expression of hope for a better future.
Modern Interpretations
In some towns, the tradition has taken on a contemporary twist. Instead of burning only political figures or criminals, effigies of unpopular celebrities or public figures are also set ablaze. This adds an element of social commentary to the ancient practice, making it relevant to current times.
Fun fact: In certain regions, people collect the ashes from burned Judas effigies and keep them as good luck charms for the upcoming year.
17. Tunarama Festival
Port Lincoln, known as the seafood capital of Australia, hosts the unique Tunarama Festival – a maritime celebration where competitors throw frozen 8kg tuna carcasses like Olympic hammers. The main event of the festival, the World Championship Tuna Toss, attracts participants eager to break the 37-meter record set by former Olympic hammer thrower Sean Carlin.
A Seafood Wonderland
This January festival transforms the waterfront into a paradise for seafood lovers. Local fishermen display their talents in prawn peeling races, boat building competitions light up the harbor, and fresh seafood stalls entice visitors with Port Lincoln’s renowned bluefin tuna.
The combination of athletic skill and pride in the fishing industry has made this coastal celebration a cherished Australian tradition since 1962. Visitors can see how a working-class fishing town cleverly turns industrial waste into sport—especially since winners earn real cash prizes.
18. Coffin Racing Festival (Frozen Dead Guy Days)
Every March, Nederland, Colorado transforms into a strange winter wonderland to celebrate… a frozen corpse. The festival is dedicated to Grandpa Bredo Morstoel, who has been chilling at -60°F in a Tuff Shed since 1989.
The Race
Teams of “pallbearers” race through an obstacle course carrying coffins packed with living passengers. Costumed participants must dodge snow banks, slip through ice tunnels, and navigate a maze of hazards while keeping their “corpse” intact.
Festivities and Fun
The festivities include:
- Frozen T-shirt contests – racing to unfold frozen shirts
- Brain freeze contests – speed-eating ice cream
- Polar plunges – diving into icy waters
- Frozen salmon toss competitions
Between events, visitors can warm up with local craft beers, dance to live music, and compete in the “Looking Dead” costume contest. Ultimately, this bizarre celebration captures Colorado’s mountain-town spirit, drawing thousands to enjoy its quirky blend of death and fun.
For those seeking similar active events filled with adventure and unique experiences, there are plenty of options available beyond the Frozen Dead Guy Days.
19. Gurning Contest
Deep in England’s Lake District, the Egremont Crab Fair hosts what might be the world’s most peculiar beauty pageant gone wrong. During the event, competitors shove heads through horse collars and gurn—twisting faces into grotesque expressions with pride.
This centuries-old tradition dates back to 1267, making it one of the oldest fairs in the world. Winners often achieve their spectacular distortions by removing their dentures, creating impossibly elastic expressions that would make any grandmother proud.
The championship belt for this facial gymnastics has been dominated by Peter Jackman, who claimed the world record with an astounding 14 titles. As a result, participants train for months, proving that even the strangest talents deserve a spotlight moment.
Fun fact: The horse collar frames, called “braffins,” are considered essential to standardize the competition and maintain its historic authenticity.
20. The Orange Festival
Imagine thousands of people throwing oranges at each other in a wild and messy battle. Welcome to Ivrea’s Historic Carnival—where, surprisingly, the world’s largest food fight happens without a single tomato in sight.
For three days, this medieval-inspired festival turns the Italian town’s squares into sticky battlegrounds. Teams on horse-drawn carriages go up against ground troops armed with fresh oranges, reenacting an old rebellion against oppressive rulers.
Unlike its Spanish counterpart La Tomatina, participants wear red caps for protection – both from flying fruit and to show they’re part of the game. Meanwhile, the streets fill with orange pulp, citrus mist hangs in the air, and laughter echoes between occasional “oomphs.”
Local tip: Don’t wear your favorite clothes. The orange juice stains are seen as badges of honor, but they’re almost impossible to remove.
Conclusion
These weird festivals around the world reveal humanity’s boundless imagination. From chaotic food fights to solemn ceremonies, each event offers a glimpse into cultural traditions that may seem bizarre, but are deeply meaningful to their communities.
Imagine yourself dodging tomatoes in Spain, watching men leap over babies, or witnessing thousands of nearly-naked festival-goers chase good fortune in Japan. These bizarre traditions worldwide remind us that what seems normal in one culture might be delightfully weird in another.
The beauty of these unusual global celebrations lies in their ability to:
- Break down cultural barriers through shared experiences
- Challenge our preconceptions about “normal” celebrations
- Create unforgettable memories and stories
- Connect people through laughter and wonder
These quirky festivals to visit aren’t just tourist attractions – they’re living proof that humans everywhere find unique ways to express joy, honor tradition, and build community. Whether it’s rolling cheese down a hill in England or diving into Korean mud baths, these strange events you’ve never heard of showcase the wonderful diversity of human celebration.
Ready to stamp your passport with something truly unexpected? Choose from these weird festivals around the world and embrace the joyful chaos of global celebration. Because sometimes, the strangest experiences create the most unforgettable memories.
