From throwing tomatoes at strangers to chasing wheels of cheese down a hill, the world is full of bizarre and fascinating festivals that celebrate culture, history, and pure madness. If you’re looking for unique travel experiences, these strange festivals should be on your bucket list!
Here’s a roundup of the weirdest, wildest, and most unbelievable festivals from around the globe—including when to visit, why they’re famous, how to get there, costs, and their strange histories.
1. La Tomatina (Buñol, Spain) – The World’s Biggest Food Fight
📅 When: Last Wednesday of August
⭐ Why Famous: 20,000+ people throwing 150,000+ tomatoes in an hour-long battle.
✈️ How to Get There: Fly to Valencia, then take a train/bus to Buñol (1 hour).
💰 Cost: Free (but official entry tickets cost ~€12).
📜 History: Started in 1945 when a street brawl broke out—tomatoes were the closest “weapons” at hand!
Key Highlights:
✔ Wear old clothes—you’ll be covered in tomato pulp!
✔ Starts at 11 AM with the firing of a water cannon.
✔ Only squashed tomatoes allowed (no hard throws).
2. Cheese Rolling (Cooper’s Hill, England) – Tumbling Down a Hill for Cheese
📅 When: Late May (Spring Bank Holiday)
⭐ Why Famous: Competitors chase a 9-pound wheel of cheese down a steep, dangerous hill.
✈️ How to Get There: Train from London to Gloucester, then a short taxi ride.
💰 Cost: Free to watch, but injuries are common!
📜 History: Possibly a pagan ritual or medieval tradition—no one knows for sure!
Key Highlights:
✔ First to grab the cheese (or finish the race) wins.
✔ Spectators cheer as people tumble and crash.
✔ Local pubs celebrate with post-event drinks.
3. Baby Jumping Festival (Castrillo de Murcia, Spain) – Leaping Over Babies for Good Luck
📅 When: Early June (Corpus Christi)
⭐ Why Famous: Men dressed as devils jump over rows of babies on mattresses.
✈️ How to Get There: Fly to Madrid, then drive (~3 hours).
💰 Cost: Free to watch.
📜 History: A 17th-century ritual to cleanse babies of evil spirits.
Key Highlights:
✔ Only newborns from the past year participate.
✔ The “devils” wear yellow and red costumes.
✔ Believed to bring health and protection to babies.
4. Kanamara Matsuri (Kawasaki, Japan) – The Penis Festival
📅 When: First Sunday of April
⭐ Why Famous: Celebrates fertility with giant phallic-shaped shrines and candy.
✈️ How to Get There: Train from Tokyo to Kawasaki (20 mins).
💰 Cost: Free (but expect crowds).
📜 History: Originated from a legend about a demon inside a woman’s body.
Key Highlights:
✔ Parade features giant penis statues and costumes.
✔ Vendors sell penis-themed souvenirs and lollipops.
✔ Supports LGBTQ+ and sex education awareness.
5. Up Helly Aa (Lerwick, Scotland) – Viking Fire Festival
📅 When: Last Tuesday of January
⭐ Why Famous: Locals dress as Vikings and burn a replica longship in a fiery spectacle.
✈️ How to Get There: Fly to Shetland Islands or take a ferry from Aberdeen.
💰 Cost: Free (but private parties require invites).
📜 History: Started in the 1800s to celebrate Shetland’s Norse heritage.
Key Highlights:
✔ Torchlit procession through town.
✔ Massive bonfire and all-night celebrations.
✔ Only locals can join the main squads (but tourists can watch).
6. Day of the Dead (Mexico) – Celebrating Death with Color & Joy
📅 When: November 1–2
⭐ Why Famous: Vibrant altars, sugar skulls, and parades honoring deceased loved ones.
✈️ How to Get There: Best celebrated in Mexico City or Oaxaca.
💰 Cost: Free (but tours & events may cost extra).
📜 History: A mix of Aztec rituals and Catholic traditions.
Key Highlights:
✔ Visit cemeteries lit with candles and marigolds.
✔ Try “pan de muerto” (bread of the dead).
✔ Hollywood popularized it (thanks to Coco).
7. Monkey Buffet Festival (Lopburi, Thailand) – A Feast for Wild Monkeys
📅 When: Last Sunday of November
⭐ Why Famous: Thousands of monkeys feast on fruits, veggies, and desserts.
✈️ How to Get There: Train/bus from Bangkok (~2.5 hours).
💰 Cost: Free (but donations help feed the monkeys).
📜 History: Started to promote tourism and thank monkeys for bringing luck.
Key Highlights:
✔ Locals believe monkeys bring prosperity.
✔ Giant fruit displays attract hundreds of macaques.
✔ Watch out—monkeys can be mischievous!
8. Boryeong Mud Festival (South Korea) – A Giant Mud Party
📅 When: July
⭐ Why Famous: Mud wrestling, slides, and skincare benefits from mineral-rich mud.
✈️ How to Get There: Train/bus from Seoul (~2.5 hours).
💰 Cost: ~$15–$30 for entry + activities.
📜 History: Started in 1998 to promote local mud cosmetics.
Key Highlights:
✔ Mud prison escapes, slides, and colored mud fights.
✔ Live music and fireworks at night.
✔ Great for solo travelers & groups.
Why Do These Festivals Exist?
Some are rooted in ancient traditions, others in pure fun—but all offer a wild, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Would you dare to join any of them?
Want More Offbeat Travel Ideas?
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Which festival would you brave? Let us know in the comments!
