Our planet is brimming with eccentric and intriguing festivals that are unlike any other. If you are looking for unique local traditions and unforgettable experiences, these five festivals are perfect for you! From the tomato battles in Spain to the crazy cheese rolling in England, immerse yourself in the world of these astonishing celebrations.

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1. La Tomatina (Buñol, Spain): A Rain of Tomatoes for Everyone

Every year, in the small town of Buñol, Spain, thousands of people gather for an epic battle… with tomatoes! For one hour, the streets fill with participants throwing tons of ripe tomatoes in a festive and crazy atmosphere. This colorful festival originated from a spontaneous brawl in the 1940s, but it has since become a globally recognized event.

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2. Cheese Rolling Festival (Gloucestershire, England): An Unstoppable Race

Imagine a steep hill, a cheese rolling at full speed, and behind it, dozens of people chasing it down. That’s the Cheese Rolling Festival! This race is as dangerous as it is fun, attracting thrill-seekers from all over the world who come to chase a wheel of cheese and, maybe, the glory.

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3. Crying Baby Festival (Tokyo, Japan): Tears for Good Fortune

In Japan, a very unique tradition takes place in temples: the Nakizumo Matsuri, or Crying Baby Festival. Here, sumo wrestlers hold babies and try to make them cry as loud as possible. This ritual is based on an ancient belief that a baby’s tears drive away evil spirits and bring good health. Strange, but deeply rooted in Japanese folklore.

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4. The Battle of Oranges (Ivrea, Italy): A Citrus Revolt

During Ivrea’s carnival, a strange battle breaks out every year among its inhabitants. Instead of swords, oranges fly. This festival symbolically reenacts a revolt against a tyrannical lord from the Middle Ages. Participants hurl tons of oranges at each other in a colorful, vitamin-packed spectacle that floods the streets of this small Italian town.

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5. El Colacho (Castrillo de Murcia, Spain): Devils Leap for Purity

For over 400 years, in the village of Castrillo de Murcia, men dressed as devils leap over babies laid out on mattresses to purify them of sin. This strange and spectacular ceremony blends Catholic and pagan traditions, aiming to protect newborns from evil spirits.

These festivals are more than just quirky events: they reflect the stories and beliefs of their people, each adding a touch of magic to global culture. Whether chasing away bad luck with tears, rolling in tomatoes, or pursuing a wheel of cheese, these traditions continue to captivate and entertain, year after year.

Horizon Nomade