The world is a vast and diverse place, teeming with a multitude of cultures, each rich in its unique traditions and customs. From the quaint to the downright bizarre, these cultural practices can sometimes leave outsiders baffled yet intrigued. So let’s delve into a fascinating array of some of the strangest traditions from across the globe that you might not have heard of yet.
One of the more bewildering traditions can be found in Spain, known as El Colacho, or the Baby Jumping Festival. This peculiar event takes place annually in the town of Castrillo de Murcia to mark the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi. Participants dressed as the devil (El Colacho) leap over rows of infants lying on mattresses in the streets. This tradition, dating back to 1620, is intended to cleanse the newborns of original sin, protect them against evil spirits, and ensure their safe passage through life.
Venturing to Italy, we uncover the tomato throwing festival, La Tomatina, which takes place in the town of Buñol. Contrary to one’s expectations of Italy’s illustrious cuisine, La Tomatina is a messy, delightful extravaganza where participants pelt each other with tomatoes in the streets. No one is entirely sure how this squishy spectacle began in 1945, but it has become a celebrated part of Spanish culture, attracting thousands of tourists yearning to dip their toes (and more) in tomato puree.
Traveling to Asia, we land in Thailand for the Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi. This might sound like a hoax, but it’s a real event dedicated to feeding the local monkey population. Over 4,000 kilograms of fruits, vegetables, cakes, and candies are set out for the monkeys in and around the city’s ancient temples. The festival was created to honor the monkeys believed to bring good fortune to the region. It also serves as a tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors eager to witness this peculiar feast.
Shifting continents to the Americas, one cannot ignore the bizarre yet captivating tradition of the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling in the United Kingdom. The idea is deceptively simple: participants chase a nine-pound wheel of cheese down a steep hill. Although the cheese easily reaches breakneck speeds, the challenge lies in staying upright while racing after it. The first to cross the line—or at least cross it closest to upright—wins the coveted prize of the cheese. This centuries-old tradition carries with it a high risk of injury but continues to embody a spirit of reckless fun.
In Japan, a more sedate yet equally intriguing custom is the Kanamara Matsuri, or the Festival of the Steel Phallus. This annual event, held in Kawasaki, is dedicated to the worship of the phallic symbol, inspired by legends of protective gods. Historically, the festival has been a source of community protection and a plea for fertility. Today, it attracts visitors and locals alike who join parades, buy phallus-themed candies, and celebrate with unabashed humor.
Further north, in Sweden, the summertime sees cities engulfed in a sea of green for the Midsummer festivities. This tradition celebrates the longest day of the year and is characterized by dancing around the maypole, feasting on pickled herring, and making floral wreaths. Songs and dances, often accompanied by schnapps, mark a joyful beginning to the summer. The Midsummer celebration exemplifies the Swedes’ deep connection to nature and light, especially after long winters.
Then there is the less anticipated Gerewol Festival in Chad, where the men from the Wodaabe tribe decorate themselves with elaborate makeup and flamboyant outfits to compete in beauty pageants judged by women. This remarkable event, lasting seven days, embodies the tribe's cultural ideals of beauty and romance, celebrating their beliefs through dance and song. It's an extraordinary spectacle highlighting individuality and allure.
Lastly, the Ethiopian New Year, Enkutatash, comes with a distinct charm. Celebrated on September 11, this festive day marks the end of the rainy season and is steeped in religious and cultural significance. Communities adorn themselves in new clothes and gather together for singing, dancing, and attending church services. The streets brighten with dainty yellow daisies, symbolizing renewal and hope.
These unusual celebrations remind us of the vast human experience beyond our borders. By immersing ourselves in the eccentricity of these customs, we glimpse the values and stories that shape communities worldwide, encouraging us to reflect on our unique traditions and how they weave into the fabric of our shared humanity.
Unexpectedly curious: the strangest traditions from around the world
