Buzz
Each year, thousands of individuals come together to either participate in or observe some of the world's most peculiar festivals. While many of these celebrations have ancient origins, others are relatively new. Despite their differences, they share one common trait: they are utterly bizarre. Feel free to share any other unique festivals you know of in the comments. NOTE: Some images may not be suitable for work environments.
10. La Tomatina
Every last Wednesday of August, the town of Buñol in Spain's Valencia region hosts a massive tomato-throwing event. Around 9,000 locals and 20,000 to 40,000 international visitors gather to hurl tomatoes at each other, honoring the Virgin Mary and St. Louis Bertrand. This tradition dates back to the 1940s, though it was temporarily banned during Franco's regime. The festival kicks off with a challenge to climb a greased pole and retrieve a cooked ham. Once the ham is secured, water cannons are unleashed, and over 100 tons of tomatoes are scattered for the chaotic fun. Men typically go shirtless, while women wear white, and anyone wearing a shirt risks having it torn off—especially tourists, who often become prime targets.
9. Cheese Rolling Festival
Every May, the Cheese Rolling Festival takes place on Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, UK. During the event, an official rolls a cheese down a dangerously steep slope, prompting hundreds of participants to chase after it, often risking injury. Due to the high risk, children are officially barred from participating, though local boys frequently join in. A separate uphill race is organized for kids, while the main competition features separate races for men and women.
8. Bonfires of Saint John
The Bonfires of Saint John is a celebrated festival in Spain, occurring from June 19th to 24th. This unique event features the lighting of large bonfires, often fueled by old furniture. Locals gather to enjoy hot chocolate while watching the flames. The festival takes an unusual turn when children take turns running through the fires. The week-long celebration includes fireworks, and 86 women and 86 young girls are elected as 'Beauties,' who serve as Queens presiding over the festivities.
7. Goat Tossing Festival
Spain is known for its peculiar festivals, and the Goat Tossing Festival is no exception. Held annually on the fourth Sunday of January in the small town of Manganeses de la Polvorosa, this event honors St. Vincent de Paul, the town's patron saint. The origins of the festival are lost to history. During the event, a young man captures a goat, ties it up, and carries it to the top of the local church belfry. He then throws the goat off the tower, and it falls 50 feet, ideally landing on a tarpaulin held by villagers. Despite bans by local officials and protests from animal rights groups, the tradition persists.
6. Hadaka Matsuri
Hadaka Matsuri is a traditional Japanese festival where participants wear minimal clothing, typically a loincloth, and sometimes nothing at all. Celebrated multiple times a year across Japan, the festival embraces nudity as a sign of health and vitality. Activities often include mud-based entertainment, with separate events for men and women. In some regions, children participate in special festivals as a rite of passage, though they may also join adult celebrations. Originally rooted in religious practices, the festival has largely shed its spiritual significance over time.
5. El Colacho
El Colacho, or baby jumping, is a centuries-old Spanish festival dating back to 1620, held annually during the feast of Corpus Christi. Infants born in the past year are placed on mattresses, while men from the village of Castrillo de Murcia dress as devils and leap over them. This unusual ritual, believed to cleanse the babies of original sin, often results in injuries, mostly to the adults. Despite its controversial nature, the tradition persists, though Pope Benedict XVI has urged local priests to disassociate from the event due to its risks and conflict with Catholic teachings.
4. Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme
Annually in Las Nieves, Spain, individuals who have narrowly escaped death in the past year gather to honor Saint Marta de Ribarteme, the Patron Saint of resurrection. The unique tradition involves attendees bringing coffins—either carrying them or being carried inside them—to a special Mass. Following the service, the procession moves to a hilltop featuring a statue of the saint. Despite the solemn theme, the atmosphere is lively, with fireworks lighting up the sky and vendors selling religious items along the streets.
3. Thaipusam
Thaipusam is an annual Hindu festival, primarily observed by Tamils, to honor the birth of Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati. Celebrated in January or February, participants shave their heads and embark on a pilgrimage. At the culmination, they pierce their tongues or cheeks with sharp skewers, while others attach hooks to their backs to pull heavy objects like tractors. The greater the pain endured, the more blessings believed to be received from the gods. While popular in India, the grandest festivities occur in Singapore and Malaysia, where it is a public holiday.
2. Kanamara Matsuri
Each spring, the Kanamara Matsuri, or Steel Phallus Festival, takes place in Kawasaki, Japan. This Shinto fertility celebration features a prominent phallus statue, and attendees can purchase phallus-shaped candies, vegetables, and souvenirs. Historically, the festival was particularly popular among prostitutes, who believed participation would protect them from sexually transmitted diseases.
1. Goose Clubbing Festival
Until recently, Germany hosted an annual festival where a live goose was tied to a post and struck by men until its head detached. Due to protests from animal rights groups, the event now uses a pre-killed goose. A similar tradition exists in Spain, where a man hangs from a goose until its head is removed. This 350-year-old festival, called Antzar Eguna, also uses a pre-killed goose to comply with modern ethical standards.
