The Strangest Festivals Worldwide

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1. Venice Carnival in Italy

2. Thaipusam – Malaysia, Singapore, India

3. Pig-Squealing Contest – France

4. Queen’s Day – Amsterdam, Netherlands

5. Bizarre Games – Georgia, USA

6. Cooper Hill Cheese Rolling Festival – Gloucester, England

7. Running of the Bulls Festival – Pamplona, Spain

8. Wife Carrying Championship – Finland

9. Baby Jumping Festival – Spain

10. Day of the Dead – Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil

11. Monkey Buffet Festival – Thailand

12. La Tomatina Tomato Festival – Spain

Some unique festivals, with a touch of bizarre, still occur annually in many countries around the world.

1. Venice Carnival in Italy

While there are hundreds of costume festivals worldwide, none are as elaborate and artistically elevated as the Venice Carnival in Italy. The carnival first appeared in 1296, experienced a long hiatus, and has been regularly held annually in February since 1980. Wearing masks is one of the ways Venice erases social statuses, bridging age gaps, wealth divides, genders... Today, the costume festival extends for two weeks.

Hotel in Venice, Italy

2. Thaipusam – Malaysia, Singapore, India

Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3. Pig-Squealing Contest – France

4. Queen’s Day – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hotel in Amsterdam, Netherlands

5. Bizarre Games – Georgia, USA

Hotel in Georgia, USA

6. Cooper Hill Cheese Rolling Festival – Gloucester, England

7. Running of the Bulls Festival – Pamplona, Spain

8. Wife Carrying Championship – Finland

9. Baby Jumping Festival – Spain

10. Day of the Dead – Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil

11. Monkey Buffet Festival – Thailand

12. La Tomatina Tomato Festival – Spain

Valencia Hotel, Spain

Explore more:

Unique Festivals in Asia

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Source: Mytour Travel Guide – Compiled from the Internet

MytourJuly 8, 2015

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some unique festivals celebrated around the world?

Unique festivals celebrated around the world include the Venice Carnival in Italy, Thaipusam in Malaysia and Singapore, the Pig-Squealing Contest in France, and Queen's Day in Amsterdam. Each festival has its own cultural significance and attracts tourists.

When does the Venice Carnival typically take place each year?

The Venice Carnival typically takes place annually in February. It originally appeared in 1296 and has been celebrated regularly since 1980, extending over two weeks of elaborate costume festivities.

What is the significance of wearing masks during the Venice Carnival?

Wearing masks during the Venice Carnival serves to erase social statuses, allowing individuals to engage freely without the constraints of age, wealth, or gender. This tradition fosters a sense of equality and community among participants.

What kind of events can you expect at the Running of the Bulls Festival?

At the Running of the Bulls Festival in Pamplona, Spain, participants run alongside bulls through the streets. This thrilling event is part of a larger celebration that includes music, food, and traditional Spanish culture.