The world is full of wonder, creativity, and sometimes… downright weird celebrations. From throwing babies off rooftops to massive tomato food fights, these festivals prove that human cultures can be wildly imaginative. Here are 16 of the strangest festivals you probably never knew existed—but absolutely do.
1. La Tomatina – Spain
Every year, the town of Buñol becomes a giant tomato battlefield. Tens of thousands gather to throw overripe tomatoes at each other in the world’s biggest food fight.
2. Baby Jumping Festival – Spain
In the town of Castrillo de Murcia, men dressed as devils literally jump over babies lying on mattresses to “cleanse them of evil.” Yes—this is real.
3. Kanamara Matsuri (Penis Festival) – Japan
A festival celebrating fertility, safe childbirth, and protection from STDs. Huge phallic statues, candies, and decorations parade through the streets.
4. Monkey Buffet Festival – Thailand
Thousands of monkeys in Lopburi are given a royal buffet of fruits, vegetables, and treats. It’s a full celebration—for monkeys.
5. Goose Pulling – Germany & Parts of Belgium
Riders on horseback try to pull off the head of a deceased goose hanging from a rope. It has medieval origins and still continues today.
6. Cheese Rolling Festival – England
People chase a giant wheel of cheese down a dangerously steep hill. Broken bones are common, but the cheese must be caught!
7. Night of the Radishes – Mexico
Artists carve giant radishes into incredibly detailed sculptures. The displays can be surprisingly beautiful—and bizarre.
8. Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival) – Japan
Thousands of nearly naked men wearing only loincloths gather to compete for “lucky sticks” that are believed to bring fortune.
9. Crying Baby Festival – Japan
Sumo wrestlers compete to see whose baby cries the loudest. Locals believe a crying baby wards off evil spirits.
10. Air Guitar World Championships – Finland
Participants from around the world gather to fiercely “play” invisible guitars. The event is treated very seriously.
11. Cooper’s Hill Wake – England
Participants roll down a hill chasing a wheel of cheese—so chaotic it’s considered one of the most dangerous festivals worldwide.
12. El Colacho – Spain
A man dressed as the Devil jumps over newborn babies to cleanse them of sin. This tradition goes back to the 1600s.
13. The Camel Wrestling Festival – Turkey
Two male camels are brought together to wrestle while crowds cheer. Only occurs during mating season.
14. Up Helly Aa – Scotland
An entire town dresses as Vikings and burns a giant Viking ship in the middle of winter. It’s a fire festival filled with drama and spectacle.
15. Boryeong Mud Festival – South Korea
A celebration of… mud. People dive in, wrestle, swim, slide, and paint each other with mineral-rich mud.
16. The Great Mexican Bathtub Race – Bermuda
Participants sit in bathtubs mounted on wheels and race them down the street. Hilarious and surprisingly competitive.