10 Unique Festivals Across the Globe

Published on February 28, 2025

by Harriet King

From tomato fights in Spain to lantern-lit rivers in Thailand, the world is full of vibrant, unexpected, and downright quirky festivals. These celebrations go far beyond traditional parades and fireworks — they reflect local history, climate, religion, and humor in fascinating ways.

Let’s journey around the world and explore ten of the most unique festivals people gather to celebrate — some ancient, some modern, all unforgettable.

Unusual and Amazing Festivals to See

These cultural celebrations might make you want to book a flight or rethink your travel bucket list:

1. La Tomatina (Spain)

Held every August in Buñol, this is the world’s biggest tomato fight.

Why it’s wild:

Thousands of people throw over 100 tons of tomatoes in the streets.
It started as a spontaneous food fight in 1945 — now it’s official.
Participants wear goggles and clothes they’re ready to destroy.
It ends with firetrucks hosing down the streets — and people.

2. Holi (India & Nepal)

Known as the “Festival of Colors,” Holi celebrates love, spring, and renewal.

What makes it magical:

People throw brightly colored powders and water on each other.
Includes dancing, drumming, and traditional sweets.
Rooted in Hindu mythology — celebrating the victory of good over evil.
Now celebrated in cities around the world.

3. Baby Jumping Festival (Spain)

Yes, people actually leap over babies — but it’s more spiritual than it sounds.

Here’s the story:

Held in Castrillo de Murcia during the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi.
Men dressed as devils jump over babies laid on mattresses in the street.
Believed to cleanse the babies of sin and protect them from evil.
It’s been going on since at least the 1600s.

4. Night of the Radishes (Mexico)

In Oaxaca, artists carve oversized radishes into intricate scenes and compete for prizes.

Why it’s so unique:

Held annually on December 23rd as part of Christmas festivities.
Radishes are carved into nativity scenes, folklore characters, and political figures.
Started in the colonial period as a market promotion stunt.
Now attracts thousands of visitors and artists.

5. Boryeong Mud Festival (South Korea)

This modern festival turns a beach town into a mud-covered playground.

Here’s what to expect:

Huge mud pits, slides, and wrestling arenas — all in mineral-rich mud.
Started as a clever ad campaign for Boryeong’s cosmetics.
Now attracts millions of attendees each July.
Includes concerts, body painting, and nighttime dance parties.

6. Up Helly Aa (Scotland)

A Viking-themed fire festival held in Shetland to mark the end of winter.

What makes it fiery:

Locals dress as Vikings and light torches in a dramatic nighttime procession.
Ends with the ceremonial burning of a Viking longship.
Started in the 1880s as a twist on Christmas traditions.
It’s one of Europe’s most visually striking winter festivals.

7. Songkran (Thailand)

Celebrating the Thai New Year, Songkran is a countrywide water fight with spiritual roots.

Why it’s refreshing:

Traditionally involves washing away sins by sprinkling water.
Now includes massive street battles with buckets and water guns.
Happens in mid-April — during Thailand’s hottest month.
Temples also play a role, with rituals and offerings.

8. Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling (England)

It’s as simple — and dangerous — as it sounds: people chase cheese down a hill.

The rundown:

Held near Gloucester, usually in May.
A 9-pound wheel of cheese is rolled down a steep hill, and people race after it.
First person to cross the finish line wins the cheese.
Falls and injuries are common — but that doesn’t stop participants.

9. Lantern Floating Festival (Hawaii)

A peaceful event to honor lost loved ones and reflect on life.

What makes it special:

Thousands of paper lanterns are floated on the ocean at sunset.
Held each Memorial Day on Ala Moana Beach in Honolulu.
Inspired by Buddhist traditions, but open to all backgrounds.
It’s a serene, emotional, and visually stunning experience.

10. Kanamara Matsuri (Japan)

This Shinto fertility festival in Kawasaki is centered around… a very specific theme.

Here’s what makes it unforgettable:

Celebrates fertility, health, and safe childbirth.
Features large phallic statues, candy, and even parades.
Originally started to protect sex workers from disease in the Edo period.
Now also raises money for HIV research and awareness.

The Backstory of Global Celebrations

Festivals often begin as religious ceremonies, agricultural rites, or political statements — and evolve with culture and time. What may seem silly or strange often has deep meaning to the people who celebrate it.

Whether ancient or modern, festivals reflect a community’s values, humor, fears, and creativity. They offer windows into what matters most — and how joy and identity are expressed through celebration.

Why It’s So Intriguing

Exploring festivals around the world reminds us that fun, ritual, and human connection take endless forms. You might not find radish-carving or cheese-chasing in your neighborhood — but every tradition has something to teach.

Plus, it shows how universal the desire is to gather, mark time, and make memories through shared experiences.

What Most People Don’t Know

Some curious festival facts:

The oldest known festival dates back over 5,000 years to Mesopotamia — celebrating the goddess Ishtar.
Festivals often adapt old ideas — like ancient fire rituals becoming modern fireworks displays.
Many festivals go viral online long before tourists understand their original meaning.
Some traditions are being revived by younger generations looking to preserve culture.

Bonus Fact

UNESCO recognizes some festivals as intangible cultural heritage — protecting them as important parts of global identity and history.

Takeaway

Festivals are more than just parties — they’re storytelling, heritage, and expression in motion. Whether it’s a spiritual ritual, a joyful water fight, or a tomato-soaked street battle, each one celebrates what makes us uniquely human.

So go ahead — add something quirky to your travel wish list. You might just find meaning (and a lot of fun) in the unexpected.