From cheese-chasing to baby-jumping, the world is full of bizarre and fascinating festivals that celebrate everything from tradition to pure absurdity. If you think you’ve seen it all, think again—here are some of the weirdest festivals around the globe, and #5 will truly blow your mind!
1. La Tomatina (Buñol, Spain)
Every August, the streets of Buñol turn red as thousands of people engage in the world’s biggest tomato fight. Over 100 tons of tomatoes are hurled in a chaotic, juicy battle that lasts for an hour. The origins of this festival are unclear, but one thing is certain—it’s the messiest (and most fun) food fight you’ll ever experience.
2. Cheese Rolling (Gloucestershire, England)
Would you chase a 9-pound wheel of cheese down a steep hill? At the annual Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling event, competitors do just that—racing (or tumbling) after a rolling cheese at breakneck speeds. Injuries are common, but the glory of winning a giant cheese is worth it for some!
3. Baby-Jumping Festival (Castrillo de Murcia, Spain)
This 400-year-old tradition, called El Colacho, involves men dressed as the devil leaping over babies laid on mattresses in the street. The bizarre ritual is meant to cleanse the infants of original sin and protect them from evil. It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted!
4. Kanamara Matsuri (Kawasaki, Japan)
Also known as the Festival of the Steel Phallus, this Shinto celebration is all about fertility and protection against STDs. Giant penis-shaped shrines are paraded through the streets, and visitors enjoy phallic-shaped candy and souvenirs. It’s one of the most NSFW festivals in the world!
5. The Monkey Buffet Festival (Lopburi, Thailand) – You Won’t Believe This!
Every November, the town of Lopburi throws a massive feast—for monkeys! Over 4,000 kilograms of fruits, vegetables, and sweets are laid out for the local macaques as a gesture of gratitude and to promote tourism. The monkeys go wild, climbing over tables and stealing food in a chaotic, adorable frenzy. It’s a surreal sight that must be seen to be believed!
6. Up Helly Aa (Shetland, Scotland)
This Viking-inspired festival involves torch-lit processions, elaborate costumes, and the burning of a replica Viking longship. The event celebrates Shetland’s Norse heritage in the most fiery way possible—complete with singing, dancing, and plenty of whiskey.
7. The Boryeong Mud Festival (South Korea)
What started as a marketing campaign for mud cosmetics turned into one of Korea’s wildest parties. Visitors cover themselves in mineral-rich mud, slide down mudslides, and dance in giant mud pits. It’s messy, therapeutic, and ridiculously fun.
Final Thoughts
The world is full of strange and wonderful traditions that defy logic but bring communities together in the most unexpected ways. Whether you’re dodging tomatoes, cheering on cheese chasers, or watching monkeys feast, these festivals prove that humanity’s creativity knows no bounds.
Which one would you dare to attend? Let us know in the comments! 🎉
