As the old saying goes, “the country you visit is the customs you find.” And when it comes to festivals, this couldn’t be more true. From Japan’s penis-shaped festivities to Peru’s cat food celebrations, the world is full of strange and wonderful events that showcase humanity’s diversity and creativity.
In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to explore some of the most bizarre and fascinating festivals from around the globe. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!
1. Kanamara Matsuri, Kawasaki – Japan: The Penis Festival
This festival is a true one-of-a-kind event. In Japan, the shape of the penis dominates all aspects of the celebration, from decorations to candies to mikoshi (shrine cars). It’s a testament to the country’s unique cultural norms and the power of phallic symbolism.
The festival takes place on May 15th and features parades, music, and plenty of penises. The event is said to have originated in the Edo period as a way to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction that draws visitors from around the world.
2. Hadaka Matsuri, Okayama – Japan: The Naked Festival
While not as explicit as Kanamara, Hadaka is another Japanese festival that pushes the boundaries of modesty. In this celebration, participants parade through the streets almost naked, showcasing their undergarments only to hang from the ceiling in the form of sweets.
The festival takes place on April 15th and has been held for centuries, with its origins dating back to the 17th century. The event is said to have started as a way to purify the town’s inhabitants and bring good luck. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction that draws visitors from around the world.
3. Monkey Buffet Festival, Lopburi – Thailand: A Taste of Nature
Annual festival with a tourist objective, consisting in offering local monkeys a buffet made up of fruit, vegetables, and other delights. The festival takes place on May 10th and is said to have originated as a way to feed the town’s monkey population.
The festival features a giant treehouse where visitors can feed the monkeys and take part in various activities such as tree-climbing and zip-lining. It’s a popular tourist attraction that draws visitors from around the world.
4. Cat Food Festival, Cañete – Peru: Feline Delights
It’s a manifestation where 50 cats are sacrificed, whose meat is then used to prepare various dishes like schnitzel, huacatay or ciccioli: according to popular belief, cat meat has aphrodisiac properties and good for the bronchi.
The festival takes place on April 30th and is said to have originated as a way to honor the town’s patron saint. The event features traditional Peruvian cuisine and live music, making it a unique and fascinating experience for visitors.
5. Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake, Gloucester – England: A Cheesy Competition
Annual springtime sporting event where participants compete in a downhill run, chasing after a wheel of cheese that rolls down a hill.
The festival takes place on April 25th and has been held for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Middle Ages. The event is said to have started as a way to settle disputes between rival villages. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction that draws visitors from around the world.
6. El Salto del Colacho, Burgos – Spain: The Devil’s Leap
Ancient Spanish festival known as “El Salto del Colacho” where men dressed as the devil (Colacho) jump over babies born in the last 12 months and lie on mattresses for the street.
The festival takes place on May 1st and is said to have originated as a way to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. The event features traditional Spanish music and dance, making it a unique and fascinating experience for visitors.
7. Encierro, Pamplona – Spain: The Running of the Bulls
Manifestation where a group of angry bulls is released in the streets of the city for approximately 800 meters.
The festival takes place on July 6th-14th and has been held since the 14th century. The event is said to have started as a way to celebrate the town’s patron saint. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction that draws visitors from around the world.
8. Festa del Cornuto, Rocca Canterano – Italy: A Horned Revenge
Sfilata of men who have been wronged by their wives (i.e., have been cheated on). The men march with a pair of horns on their heads, sometimes crying or breaking valuable objects related to their relationship between the mocking visitors.
The festival takes place on August 15th and is said to have originated as a way to mock the town’s women for their infidelity. The event features traditional Italian music and dance, making it a unique and fascinating experience for visitors.
9. Ballu di li Diavuli, Prizzi – Italy: Devilish Antics
Folkloric-religious tradition during the Easter period, where two devilish masked figures and another person representing death circulate through the streets of the town making jokes to passersby, in some cases holding them back and releasing them only in exchange for money or sweets.
The festival takes place on April 23rd and is said to have originated as a way to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. The event features traditional Italian music and dance, making it a unique and fascinating experience for visitors.
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10. Roswell UFO Festival, Roswell – New Mexico
Annual parade where people dress up as aliens and participate in brief lectures given by experts to remember an event in 1947 when an object, presumably a UFO, crashed near the town: the incident is still today subject to controversy over whether it really happened or not.
The festival takes place on June 28th and features traditional American music and dance, making it a unique and fascinating experience for visitors. The event also includes exhibits and lectures on the history of UFO sightings in Roswell.
11. Turkey Testicle Festival, Byron – Illinois
Festival where testicles of animals are prepared as fritters or pastries and then eaten. The festival takes place in different cities, but was born in Byron.
The festival features traditional American music and dance, making it a unique and fascinating experience for visitors. However, it’s worth noting that the event is not for everyone, and some people may find it too intense or graphic.
12. Thaipusam Festival – diverse countries: Piercing the Pain Barrier
It’s a Hindu festival that takes place every year in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Guadalupe, Reunion, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar and where the act of piercing is taken to extremes: the more pain you endure, the greater the blessing you receive.
The festival takes place on January 13th and features traditional Hindu music and dance. However, it’s worth noting that the event can be quite intense and graphic, and some people may find it too disturbing or violent.
13. Songkran Festival – Thailand: Water You Waiting For?
Large water fight that takes place every New Year in all of Thailand. Some people use buckets or even elephants.
The festival features traditional Thai music and dance, making it a unique and fascinating experience for visitors. The event is said to have originated as a way to cleanse the body and mind after the winter season.
14. Tunarama, Port Lincoln – Australia: Tuna Takes the Stage
Manifestation that celebrates tuna fishing and which includes a parade through the city’s streets, musical entertainment, and some very original competitions, such as the challenge to launch the tuna.
The festival takes place on November 1st and features traditional Australian music and dance. However, it’s worth noting that the event can be quite crowded and chaotic, especially during the tuna-launching competition.
15. Boryeong Mud Festival, Boryeong, South Korea: Get Down and Dirty
International mud fight that attracts millions of visitors from around the world every summer.
The festival features traditional Korean music and dance, making it a unique and fascinating experience for visitors. The event is said to have originated as a way to clean the town’s streets and waterways after heavy rain.
In conclusion, these festivals showcase the diversity and creativity of human culture. From Japan’s phallic symbolism to Peru’s cat food celebrations, each event is a testament to the power of tradition and community. So, next time you’re planning a trip, be sure to add some of these wild and wacky festivals to your itinerary!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all festivals in this list strange or bizarre?
A: Not necessarily! While many of these events may seem unusual at first glance, they each have their own unique cultural significance and purpose.
Q: Can I attend any of these festivals as a tourist?
A: Many of the festivals listed can be attended by tourists, but it’s essential to research and respect local customs and traditions. Some events may require specific clothing or behavior, so it’s always best to check ahead of time.
Q: How do I get involved with one of these festivals?
A: Many of these festivals offer participation opportunities for visitors, such as joining in on the parades, dancing, or participating in traditional activities. However, some events may be too intense or graphic for certain individuals, so it’s always best to check ahead of time.
Q: Can I bring my child to one of these festivals?
A: Some festivals are suitable for children, while others may not be. It’s always best to check ahead of time and make sure that the event is suitable for your child’s age and maturity level.
Q: What should I wear when attending one of these festivals?
A: The dress code for each festival can vary greatly. However, many events feature traditional clothing or costumes, so it’s a good idea to dress accordingly. In general, it’s best to check ahead of time and make sure that you are dressed in a way that is respectful of the local culture and customs.
Q: How do I get there for one of these festivals?
A: The transportation options for each festival can vary greatly. However, many events take place in cities or towns with public transportation systems, so it’s always best to check ahead of time and make sure that you have a way to get there safely.
In conclusion, attending one of these wild and wacky festivals is a unique and fascinating experience that offers a glimpse into the diversity and creativity of human culture. Whether you’re interested in history, music, dance, or just plain old-fashioned fun, there’s something for everyone at one of these incredible events!
