Festivals are all about celebration. And what better aspect of human culture to celebrate than the urge to get a bit strange. That’s why from Ireland to Thailand, locals routinely get together to revel in unique cultural customs they’ve developed that set them apart from their neighbours.
Whether it’s cheese rolling in England or baby jumping in Spain, these festivals defy imitation and highlight the humour, traditions and uniqueness of the communities that celebrate them.
So read on for the world’s most bizarre festivals.
Baby jumping festival, El Colacho, Castrillo de Murcia, Spain
Dating back to the 17th century in its current form, this ‘unorthodox’ Baptism ceremony involves costumed men leaping over rows of babies born in the previous year. Yes, real babies. The roots of the festival are murky and may incorporate pre-existing pagan traditions, but as its fame has grown the willing parents presenting their new offspring has expanded beyond the village of El Colacho and can often include those who have travelled to Spain especially for the festivities. Thankfully, no injuries have ever been reported.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgZiAO3euvU
Cooper’s Hill Cheese-rolling and Wake, Gloucestershire, England
Chasing a three-to-four kilo of Double Gloucester cheese down a hill sounds like a whimsical lark for children. Yeah, it very much depends on the hill. Cooper’s Hill, near the market town of Gloucester, has been responsible for a multitude of injuries, concussions and hospital visits due to its extreme steepness. In fact, the annual event now operates unofficially after support was withdrawn in 2009 because of said injuries. Of course, with notoriety comes attention and the event has been attended by a growing assortment of international participants in recent years.
Lopburi Monkey Banquet, Lopburi province, Thailand
Thailand’s macaques are hardly reticent to grab a snack from unsuspecting locals when backs are turned, but during the Monkey Banquet, held in Lopburi province, they’re more than welcome to indulge to their heart’s content. The Monkey Festival, of which the banquet is one part, was founded by a local businessman in the 1980s and involves a veritable buffet of fresh fruit and other foods being laid out for the primates to feast on. Of course, as word has spread of this unique festival, tourists have flocked in greater numbers to witness it first-hand.
Wife-Carrying World Championship, Sonkajärvi, Finland
Any competition with a rule stating “All participants must enjoy themselves” probably doesn’t take itself too seriously and the Wife Carrying World Championship, in the northern Savonia region of Finland, certainly fits that bill. ‘Wives’ – in reality, any woman willing to be carried by a man – must weigh at least 49 kilos (or be weighed down with a rucksack to even out the contest) as the male participants struggle around an obstacle course in the fastest time they can manage. Partners can opt for one of three carrying styles: piggy back, fireman’s carry, or ‘Estonian-style’ with the wife upside on her partner’s back with her legs over the neck and shoulders. Any questions?
The Irish Redhead Convention, Crosshaven, County Cork, Ireland
Only two per cent of the world’s population is redheaded, whereas Ireland has a whopping 10 per cent with the ginger gene. But during the three-day festival to celebrate redheads, held in Cork, that number must swell to record-breaking proportions. The convention includes a crowning ceremony for the king and queen of the year, prizes awarded for “most freckles per square inch” and “the world’s greatest ginger beard”. Sadly, the author of this piece is yet to claim his crown. Sigh
