Unusual and quirky festivals from all over the globe
When it comes to festivals, there’s something for everyone. From the world’s largest music festivals to quirky celebrations of unlikely events, there’s a festival out there for just about anything you can imagine.
And if you’re looking for something a little different, these 12 unusual and quirky festivals from all over the globe are sure to fit the bill.
1. The Monkey Buffet Festival – Lopburi, Thailand
Every year in the town of Lopburi, Thailand, monkeys are treated to a massive feast as part of the annual Monkey Buffet Festival. Held in honor of the thousands of monkeys that call the town home, the event features an impressive spread of fruits, vegetables, and other monkey-friendly foods.
2. The Festival of the Sleeping Dragons – Hanoi, Vietnam
Every year in Hanoi, Vietnam, locals and visitors alike gather to witness the festival of the sleeping dragons. During the event, people dress up in dragon costumes and parade through the streets before collapsing into a “sleep” in front of onlookers.
3. The Wife Carrying World Championships – Sonkajarvi, Finland
Every year in Sonkajarvi, Finland, men from all over the world compete in the Wife Carrying World Championships. The event consists of a 253.5-meter (830-foot) obstacle course that must be completed while carrying a female teammate.
4. The Cheese Rolling Festival – Gloucester, England
Every year in Gloucester, England, people gather to watch as cheeses are rolled down a hill. The event dates back to the 19th century and has become a popular tourist attraction in recent years.
5. La Tomatina – Bunol, Spain
Held every August in the town of Bunol, Spain, La Tomatina is a tomato-throwing festival that attracts visitors from all over the world. The event features live music, parades, and, of course, tons of tomatoes.
6. The Tunarama Festival – Port Lincoln, Australia
Every year in Port Lincoln, Australia, the Tunarama Festival celebrates all things tuna. The event features tuna-themed food and activities, as well as a tuna-tossing competition.
7. The Air Guitar World Championships – Oulu, Finland
Every year in Oulu, Finland, the Air Guitar World Championships take place. The event consists of a series of competitions in which participants perform imaginary guitar solos while pretending to play an actual guitar.
8. Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling and Wake – Gloucester, England
Another cheese-related festival, this one features a competitive race down Cooper’s Hill in Gloucester, England. The event is open to anyone willing to risk injury for a chance to win a wheel of cheese.
9. The Boryeong Mud Festival – Boryeong, South Korea
Held every July in Boryeong, South Korea, the Boryeong Mud Festival celebrates all things mud. The event features mud-themed games, performances, and activities, as well as a chance to relax in mud baths.
10. The Up Helly Aa Fire Festival – Shetland Islands, Scotland
Held every January in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, the Up Helly Aa Fire Festival is a celebration of Viking culture. The event features a parade of people dressed as Vikings, followed by the burning of a replica Viking ship.
11. The Kanamara Matsuri – Kawasaki, Japan
Held every April in Kawasaki, Japan, the Kanamara Matsuri is a fertility festival that celebrates all things phallic. The event features a procession of people carrying large wooden phalluses through the streets, as well as a variety of phallic-themed food and souvenirs.
12. The Hadaka Matsuri – Okayama, Japan
Held every February in Okayama, Japan, the Hadaka Matsuri is a naked festival that attracts over 9,000 participants each year. The event features a series of Shinto purification rituals, culminating in a mass naked run through the streets.
So there you have it – 12 of the world’s most unusual festivals! Whether you’re looking for a good time or a unique cultural experience, one of these festivals is sure to be a perfect fit.
Conclusion:
So there you have it – 12 of the world’s most unusual festivals! Whether you’re looking for a good time or a unique cultural experience, one of these festivals is sure to be a perfect fit. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!