Explore wild and wonderful festivals across the globe that celebrate culture, history, and the delightfully bizarre.
From throwing tomatoes to running with bulls, the world is full of festivals that defy expectations and celebrate the bizarre. These unique celebrations capture the wild, colorful, and sometimes eccentric side of human culture. If you’re looking for a festival experience that’s far from ordinary, these nine unusual events around the world will astonish and inspire you.
Pack your bags and get ready to experience a whole new level of cultural surprises!
1. La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain
La Tomatina is a world-famous tomato-throwing festival held in Buñol, Spain, where thousands of participants engage in a massive tomato fight. Originating in the 1940s, this quirky tradition transforms the streets into a red, squishy battleground. Participants toss overripe tomatoes at each other, creating a fun yet chaotic scene. Held annually in August, the event attracts tourists from all over the world. La Tomatina is a joyous celebration of letting loose and embracing the mess for one unforgettable day.
2. Monkey Buffet Festival – Lopburi, Thailand
Every November, the small town of Lopburi, Thailand, hosts a feast for its monkey population, known as the Monkey Buffet Festival. Locals provide tons of fruits, vegetables, and sweets for the monkeys, who swarm the tables to enjoy the banquet. This unique festival celebrates the town’s monkey residents and is believed to bring good luck to the community. Tourists flock to watch the lively spectacle, as monkeys climb, feast, and interact with visitors in a one-of-a-kind display of gratitude.
3. Kanamara Matsuri (Festival of the Steel Phallus) – Kawasaki, Japan
Kanamara Matsuri, or the Festival of the Steel Phallus, is held annually in Kawasaki, Japan, to celebrate fertility, safe childbirth, and sexual health. During the festival, attendees parade phallic-shaped floats, enjoy themed treats, and participate in rituals honoring fertility deities. Known for its bold and playful atmosphere, this event brings attention to serious topics in a lighthearted way. Kanamara Matsuri has gained international recognition for its unique approach to celebrating fertility, making it a fascinating spectacle for curious travelers.
4. El Colacho (Baby Jumping Festival) – Castrillo de Murcia, Spain
In the Spanish village of Castrillo de Murcia, the Baby Jumping Festival, or El Colacho, takes place each June as part of a centuries-old tradition to cleanse infants of sin. Men dressed as devils leap over rows of babies lying on mattresses, symbolizing a ritualistic “cleansing” of evil spirits. The festival combines religious tradition with a surreal twist, attracting visitors intrigued by this unusual custom. El Colacho is both a fascinating and controversial celebration, blending faith, folklore, and spectacle.
5. Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling Festival – Gloucestershire, England
The Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling Festival in Gloucestershire, England, is as thrilling as it sounds. During the festival, participants chase a large wheel of cheese down a steep hill, racing to catch it before it reaches the bottom. Although injuries are common, the event draws competitors and spectators alike who revel in the chaotic excitement. Dating back to the 19th century, this festival remains a beloved tradition and a true test of balance, bravery, and a bit of wild fun.
6. Holi – India
Holi, the festival of colors, is one of India’s most vibrant celebrations, held each spring to mark the arrival of the season. During Holi, participants throw colored powders and water at each other, filling the streets with vibrant hues. Known for its joyous, playful atmosphere, Holi also symbolizes the victory of good over evil and promotes unity. Both locals and tourists come together to experience the exuberant spirit of this ancient tradition, which has now spread to countries around the world.
7. Battle of the Oranges – Ivrea, Italy
In Ivrea, Italy, the Battle of the Oranges reenacts a historical rebellion with a unique twist: participants pelt each other with oranges. Held in February, the festival’s origins date back to the 12th century and symbolize the town’s resistance against tyranny. During the event, thousands gather in town squares to hurl oranges, transforming the streets into a bright, citrus-scented battleground. This colorful tradition attracts locals and tourists alike who enjoy participating in the vivid, high-energy reenactment of history.
8. Night of the Radishes – Oaxaca, Mexico
Every December, the Night of the Radishes brings the streets of Oaxaca, Mexico, to life with creative carvings made from giant radishes. Local artisans carve intricate scenes, from nativity displays to folklore characters, showcasing their artistry in this annual competition. The festival highlights Oaxaca’s agricultural heritage and allows locals to display their craftsmanship in a unique, edible form. With its imaginative, lively atmosphere, the Night of the Radishes draws crowds who admire the unusual yet captivating creations.
9. Takanakuy – Chumbivilcas Province, Peru
Takanakuy, held in Chumbivilcas Province, Peru, is an annual tradition where community members settle disputes by fighting each other in public matches. Celebrated on Christmas Day, Takanakuy allows participants to resolve conflicts in a structured, respectful environment, often with a dance or song to conclude the fight. This unusual custom promotes community harmony and gives participants a chance to start the new year with a clean slate. Takanakuy’s bold approach to conflict resolution makes it an unforgettable—and unusual—festival experience.