All life is like a holiday, and we are already accustomed to Holi, cheese races, La Tomatina, Oktoberfest, Burning Man, the day of a smile, a kiss, friends, hugs, chocolate, a smiley face, the storming of the Bastille and the number Pi. Are there any reasons for surprise left in the calendar? Yes, at least ten of these strange holidays that you don’t celebrate yet, but you should!
Swamp diving championship
Where : England, Lanurtyd Wells Date: last Monday in August
The competition has been taking place near the town of Lanurtyd Wells in the Waen Ridder peat bog for about 30 years. Legend has it that in 1976, two friends jumped into a swamp to get to the nearest drinking establishment as quickly as possible. Nine years later it became an international championship.
Anyone can take part by swimming twice in a 55 meter long trench in the swamp in less than 2 minutes. All participants receive gifts, but only the one who gets there first gets glory and laurels. There are winners in three categories - among women, among men and among teenagers. The current record was set back in 2012 - 86 seconds. Money raised from competitions is donated to local charities.
During the swim you are allowed to use a mask, snorkel, fins and a wetsuit. The last two are innovations; at the very beginning, only protective equipment was allowed. And now they have even established a prize for the most original costume. This holiday served as an example for other countries where their own similar competitions appeared - for example, mountain biking through a swamp.
Bird People Festival, UK
The British can rightfully be called masters at inventing strange festivals. These include the festival of bird people. It is held twice a year in the UK, and many other countries have also begun to hold such competitions.
Festival participants must build a structure resembling the wings of a bird. After which the participants demonstrate their invention by jumping from the pier. The idea is to stay in the air above the water for as long as possible, imitating the flight of a bird.
Homemade designs, of course, cause laughter and positive emotions, but at the same time they are ridiculous and strange.
Participant in the Bird People Festival competition in the UK
World Knitting Day in Public
Where : the holiday has worldwide status Date : June 10
It is believed that the first public knitting event was carried out by Danielle Landes in Paris. We are ready to argue with this statement - but what about the numerous grandmothers who publicly knit on benches from the times when it was not yet mainstream?
The essence of the holiday is very simple - go out with your knitting and continue doing what you did at home. And if usually your young friends giggle at the “senile hobby,” then on this day they can wipe their noses.
In some countries, at the end of the day, needlewomen take their creations to the fair and sell them there. Exhibitions, fashion shows, and master classes are held for those who want to learn. Particularly zealous knitters even obsolete intercontinental actions in an effort to “knit the whole world” and send their works to distant countries. Currently publicly knitting on June 10th in 350 cities around the world!
Flower Parade
In the homeland of tulips, a colorful flower festival is held annually on the first weekend of autumn. Thousands of participants and tourists gather in the town of Aalsmeer to watch the festive procession.
Colorful flower beds move along the main street on movable platforms, followed by heroes of fairy tales and myths. Music plays loudly, and the houses of the townspeople are decorated with thousands of flowers. The procession ends in the main square of the Dutch capital, where a festive concert takes place.
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Towel Day
Where : the holiday has worldwide status Date : May 25
Douglas Adams, author of the humorous science fiction works The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency, argued that a towel is a very important item for any traveler. There is literally one chapter dedicated to him in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. This item is multifunctional and will be useful both when traveling on Earth and between planets. It is used not only for its intended purpose, but also as a bedding, blanket, flag, raincoat, weapon or protection against chemical weapons.
In 2001, after the death of the writer, fans of the work of Douglas Adams in an open letter called on all admirers to go about their business on May 25 with a bright towel. This needs to be done as noticeably as possible, drawing as much attention to him as possible, starting conversations about him and popularizing Adams’ work. Therefore, if on May 25 you meet a person in the city with a towel under his arm or tied around his head, it’s all about the wonderful fantasy world of Douglas Adams.
If on May 25th you meet a person in the city with a towel under his arm or tied around his head, it’s all about the wonderful fantasy world of Douglas Adams
In Kyiv, for example, I have never met people with towels, and it’s a shame. But in other countries, many thematic events are additionally timed to May 25 - screenings of film adaptations, book sales, quest games and even competitions for the most impressive wearing of a towel.
Mysterious Scotland
In pre-Christian times, the Celts celebrated the pagan festival of Beltane. In recent years, the tradition has begun to revive. In Edinburgh, crowds of half-naked people light torches and passionately welcome the onset of summer. The Scots generally love to have fire games. You can verify this by visiting the Aphelio festival. On it, daredevils dressed in historical costumes participate in fun with fire.
World Slow Day
Where : Italy Date : February 26
One day, noisy and active Italians decided that for one day they could give themselves a break and stop being noisy and active. So in 2007, the world had a day to enjoy the moment. Officially, the “Art of Living Slowly” association is behind the idea of the holiday, which even came up with the slogan: “Take your time and enjoy the moment.” They also wrote 14 commandments of not rushing, which sound simple and everyday (get up ten minutes earlier to enjoy breakfast, or don’t be nervous in lines, but listen to good music and read books).
In addition to the usual songs and dances, the “Slow Marathon” takes place in Rome on this day. Everyone can take part in it. To do this, you need to run a distance of 300 meters in no faster than 87 minutes, without stopping even once. And in Milan, for example, on this day you may be given a symbolic fine if you are in too much of a hurry to get somewhere.
Cheese race, UK
Once again, Great Britain is in the ranking of the strangest and most unusual holidays. This time the holiday is not just strange, there is obvious danger for the participants.
The event takes place on Cooper's Hill in the Cotswolds near Gloucestershire. On the last Monday of May, many people gather on the hill to take part in the cheese racing competition. Yes, yes, you didn’t think so. A huge wheel of cheese weighing about 5 kg is launched from a steep hill; previously the heads reached up to 18 kg, but later such weight was banned. The participant must catch and catch the rolling cheese.
An ambulance is always on duty at the festival, because during the races participants receive severe injuries to their backs, necks, and limbs. Sometimes even spectators get injured.
They tried to ban the holiday several times, but all attempts were unsuccessful. Cheese races are only gaining popularity every year. It's hard to imagine that people are willing to inflict such injuries on themselves in order to win a cheese race.
Cheese Race competition in Great Britain
Cut Glass Day
Where : Russia Date : September 11
No, this is not a joke. September 11, 1943 is indeed considered the birthday of the Soviet-style cut glass - with a smooth ring on top. It was on this day that he was allegedly released at a glass factory in the city of Gus-Khrustalny (and this is also not a joke). People call the glass Mukhinsky because its design was allegedly developed by Vera Ignatievna Mukhina, who became famous for her monumental art work “Worker and Collective Farm Woman.” A glass with a smooth top was more convenient to use in catering.
But no one knows for certain the history of the original granchaks. It is only known that they had 16 sides, and it was convenient to drink from them on the ship because they did not roll off the table during shaking.
It’s not clear what exactly needs to be done on the day of the cut glass, but it’s a glass, and it’s cut, so you can drink it. Compote, for example.
Vegetarian Festival in Thailand - September 23
The festival lasts nine days and begins on the first day of the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar - usually late September or early October.
During street processions, many participants demonstrate incredible acts of mortification: they pierce their cheeks with the blades of ancient Chinese knives, cut their tongues with huge saws, insert weapons into punctures on their faces, pour hot oil on each other, walk on burning coals, etc.
Festival participants believe that extreme piercings, fire walking and other forms of self-mutilation will earn them the favor of the gods. It is believed that the gods will protect people from scars and death from loss of blood. Children must be sure to touch the “pierced” person. In this way they are also cleansed. All procedures are traumatic; ambulances are constantly on duty on the streets.
World Toilet Day
Where : the holiday has worldwide status Date : November 19
You may not know, but an international (!) conference (!!) dedicated to the problems of toilets (!!!) is held annually in Singapore. In 2001, this event brought together 200 participants from Asia, Europe and North America, representing 17 toilet delegations. While discussing the development of their business, they agreed on creating Toilet Day. Why not? This is how it has been listed on the calendar since 2001.
An international conference on toilet issues is held annually in Singapore.
Jokes aside, according to statistics, 2.5 billion people do not have access to proper toilets. This is not so much about human dignity or convenience as it is about environmental safety and socio-economic development. Therefore, in 2003, the UN organization approved the holiday as an international holiday and called for “measures to improve sanitation” on this day.
Aphelio
The Scottish town of Lerwick is famous for hosting the Aphelio festival. The townspeople build a huge Viking boat, dress up in armor, and parade around the city like that.
The Viking torchlight procession attracts thousands of people, all accompanied by the beating of drums and the sound of copper horns. The model of the ship is carried to the sea, where it is set on fire and thrown into the water. Everything takes place in accordance with the tradition of the funeral rites of the Vikings, who buried warriors who died in battle this way.
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International Copycat Pirate Day
Where : the holiday has worldwide status Date : September 19
On June 6, 1995, in the American town of Albany, two friends John Baur and Mark Summers decided that they needed a day when everyone could use pirate slang, wear a camisole, a cocked hat, a wooden leg and a hook, and carry pistols. Some publications write that it was decided not to hold the holiday on June 6, because it is the day of the Normandy landing, but the “organizers” themselves state that September 19 is the day of Summers’ ex-wife. Sounds like compensation.
At first it was a family and friendly holiday, then Baur and Summers involved the whole city in it. And in 2002, Dave Barry, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for topical journalism, wrote about the holiday, and away we go. Talk shows, mass popularity, and the holiday are held in more than 40 countries. So if you want an official reason to watch Pirates of the Caribbean again, put on an eye patch and drink ale, there are only a couple of weeks left.
By the way, the original name of the holiday is International Talk Like A Pirate Day - that is, the day when you speak like a pirate. There is no need to dress up - replace the usual Hello with Ahoy, matey! - and you are already in the game. It was after the appearance of sponsors that the holiday grew into a huge carnival show. It all started with a simple cry of Aaarrr!, when during a game of racquetball one guy was hit by a ball.
Goat throwing
The Spaniards definitely love strange festivals. Every year on the fourth Sunday of January, local residents of a small town called Manganeses de la Polvorosa gather to celebrate the Tossing the Goat festival in honor of Saint Vincent de Paul, the patron saint of the city. The festival has existed for so long that no one remembers exactly when it appeared.
A young man ties up a goat, carries it to the bell tower of the village church and throws it down, where the poor animal is caught (or tried) by local residents using a tarpaulin. The official authorities have banned this festival, but it is still celebrated.
Monkey Banquet
Where : Thailand, Lopburi Date : last Sunday of November
For Europeans, monkeys are the cutest creatures you can see in a zoo. In Asia they are treated without reverence, and in some places they are not even welcome. For example, in Thailand, monkeys often attack people in villages and steal food. Tired of the ridiculous struggle with the monkeys, people decided to do something smarter - now they themselves organize feasts for the animals.
The banquet was held for the first time in 1989, and now it seems that it is more of an attraction for tourists than for monkeys. The second story of the creation of this tradition says that allegedly after the installation of a monkey statue at the entrance to the Lopburi Inn Resort, things went well for her and the owner. Therefore, he decided to give the monkeys a belly feast to thank them for their patronage.
Then everything looks like a rural wedding in the worst traditions - monkeys fight over goodies, and then fall asleep right on the table
The feast takes place at Phra Prang Sam Yot Temple. It starts with traditional human songs and dances, then food is brought out. Eyewitnesses write that what happens next looks like a rural wedding in the worst traditions - monkeys fight over goodies, and then fall asleep right on the table.
There is, however, a third explanation for this banquet tradition. According to local folklore, once upon a time the monkey god Hanuman and his army saved Sita, the wife of Rama, from the clutches of a bloodthirsty demon. They say they've been treating me ever since. Be that as it may, the fact remains that once a year people, of their own free will, feed the monkeys to their fill.
Encierro, Spain
Encierro is a national custom in Spain that involves daredevils running away from bulls. Games with bulls are a Spanish tradition, remember bullfighting.
The encierro festival is something similar to a bullfight. Bulls run through the narrow city streets, and people run away from them. Then the bulls are released into the square, where the bullfights begin.
The streets are pre-fenced; at any time a participant can jump over the fence and leave the game. Such celebrations and games are very dangerous for the participants. Even though the police try to keep out drunken participants, they still somehow get in and are the first to be seriously injured. However, even the sober and fastest person is not immune from injury as a result of the rage of an animal. Considering the fact that one of the rules is to run in close proximity to the bull.
Encierro - bull racing
Now you know what holidays people celebrate in different countries of the world. Some of them border on cruelty, others are simply amazing in their absurdity. Be that as it may, one thing is clear - the world amazes with its diversity and surprises with events.
Goose Day
Where : Spain, Lekeitio Date : September
In Spain, in the fishing town of Lekeitio, there is a very strange holiday, which I personally would not go to see. The meaning and history of the creation of this event are lost, and no one understands why they do it, but they continue to do it. A rope is stretched over the river, and a goose is tied to it on a rope. Previously, they tied a living one, but animal rights activists are not asleep, so now it is already a dead carcass.
A participant swims up to the trophy on a boat, grabs the animal and hangs on it, trying to tear off the goose’s head. All this happens in motion, because the rope stretches, so that the participant either soars above the water, or dives valiantly. Whoever manages to tear off the goose's head with his bare hands wins. The prize is the battered carcass itself. An incredibly exciting holiday.
But there is Goose Day in a different format in Russia. There it is celebrated on May 7 in Kologriv, because it is here that geese, mainly representatives of the Red Book, stop to rest during the flight from Europe to the Arctic. The holiday is considered ecological; no one kills geese. But folk dances are held, folklore groups perform and sports competitions are held. It’s calmer, more familiar, but such a holiday doesn’t make it into our top list - it’s too ordinary.
Tomatino
The Battle of the Tomatoes takes place at the end of August in the Spanish city of Buñol. The Spaniards are a temperamental and cheerful people, so they see off the summer with fireworks and fiery dancing to traditional Spanish music.
The culmination of the festival is a tomato fight in the main city square, where trucks bring tons of red vegetables. Participants throw them at each other, and real tomato rivers fill the city streets.
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Gurn Antics Championship
Where : England, Egremont Date : mid-September
This is a championship for making the most terrible grimace. There is reason to say that it has existed since 1297! There was a crab fair in Egremont and that's when it all started. In 1857, the Cumberland Paquet newspaper called this fun "an old local tradition." The participants' task is to make such a scary face that everyone gets scared. Whoever is scarier wins.
The competition even has its own legendary personalities. For example, Peter Jackson, who has won the championship four times since 1998, had all his teeth removed in 2000 to give him more room to maneuver. Or someone named Tommy Mattinson, who won 15 times! And Annie Woods won the women's title a whopping 28 times!
One of the frequent winners in 2000 had all his teeth removed to give himself more room to maneuver.
However, the holiday has a long history, it has gained international status and people from all over the world flock to Britain to try their hand at making faces. It seems like you still have to growl and scream, but this is clearly not the most important thing.
More on the topic:
- It's boring at home: calendar of the best European autumn festivals;
- Last minute: where to go in September;
- Christmas in Poland: where to go.
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- Book air tickets on the UIA website;
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Kanamara Matsuri
Every year in the spring, the Kanamara Matsuri or Iron Penis Festival is held in Kawasaki, Japan. This is a Shinto holiday and a kind of fertility festival, where you can see a huge statue of a penis about 2.5 meters high, and also buy souvenirs, sweets and vegetables in the shape of a phallus or female genital organs. Kanamara Matsuri is very popular among prostitutes who ask the huge Penis to protect them from sexually transmitted diseases.
