15 Quirky Festivals Around the World: Celebrating the Weird and Wonderful

Festivals are an integral part of any culture from around the world. Every group of people has their own unique way of celebrating special moments in history and the beliefs of their people. Each one reflects some core elements of the society that they generate. 

There are some truly bizarre and quirky festivals that defy expectations. From throwing tomatoes to chasing cheese, these events are as unique as they are unforgettable. If you’re looking to add some offbeat adventures to your travel bucket list, here are 15 quirky festivals from around the world that you won’t want to miss.

1. La Tomatina (Bunol, Spain)

Imagine thousands of people gathered in the streets, hurling overripe tomatoes at each other. That’s La Tomatina, the world’s largest tomato fight! Held on the last Wednesday of August, this messy festival attracts thrill-seekers from all over the globe. Just remember to wear clothes you don’t mind staining red.

2. Cheese Rolling Festival (Gloucestershire, England)

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to chase a wheel of cheese down a steep hill, this is your chance. Every spring, participants race after a rolling Double Gloucester cheese in a hilariously dangerous competition. The winner gets the cheese, but the real prize is surviving the tumble!

3. Holi Festival (India, Nepal)

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is a vibrant celebration of spring and unity. People throw colored powders and water at each other, creating a kaleidoscope of joy. While it’s deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, its playful nature has made it a global phenomenon.

4. Burning Man (Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA)

Burning Man is more than a festival—it’s a temporary city built on creativity, self-expression, and community. Attendees (or “Burners”) gather in the desert to create art, share gifts, and watch the iconic burning of a massive wooden man. It’s a surreal experience that defies explanation.

5. Day of the Dead (Mexico)

Día de los Muertos is a beautiful and quirky celebration of life and death. Families build colorful altars, decorate skulls, and parade through the streets in elaborate costumes to honor deceased loved ones. It’s a poignant reminder that even death can be celebrated with joy.

6. Up Helly Aa (Shetland Islands, Scotland)

This Viking-inspired festival involves torchlit processions, elaborate costumes, and the burning of a replica Viking longship. Held in January, Up Helly Aa is a fiery tribute to Shetland’s Norse heritage and a spectacle you won’t soon forget.

7. Hemingway Days (Key West, Florida, USA)

Celebrating the life of author Ernest Hemingway, this festival features a unique highlight: the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest. Dozens of bearded men who resemble the literary legend gather to compete for the title, making it a quirky and entertaining event.

8. Boryeong Mud Festival (South Korea)

What started as a marketing campaign for local cosmetics has turned into one of South Korea’s most popular festivals. Visitors flock to Boryeong to slide, wrestle, and play in mud pits, all while enjoying live music and fireworks. It’s messy, fun, and oddly therapeutic.

9. Monkey Buffet Festival (Lobpuri, Thailand)

In this unusual festival, locals lay out a lavish feast of fruits, vegetables, and desserts for the town’s resident monkeys. It’s a way to thank the primates for bringing tourists to the area. Watching hundreds of monkeys devour a buffet is as chaotic as it sounds, and utterly fascinating.

10. Baby Jumping Festival (Castrillo de Murcia, Spain)

Yes, you read that right. During this centuries-old tradition, men dressed as devils leap over babies lying on mattresses in the street. Known as El Colacho, the festival is meant to cleanse the infants of sin. It’s definitely one of the strangest traditions out there!

11. Ice and Snow Festival (Harbin, China)

Harbin’s winter festival transforms the city into a frozen wonderland. Massive ice sculptures, illuminated by colorful lights, create a magical atmosphere. From ice slides to full-scale ice castles, this festival is a chilly but breathtaking experience.

12. Underwater Music Festival (Florida Keys, USA)

Held annually in the coral reefs of the Florida Keys, this festival features musicians playing instruments adapted for underwater performance. Divers and snorkelers can enjoy the surreal experience of listening to music beneath the waves.

13. Kanamara Matsuri (Kawasaki, Japan)

Also known as the “Festival of the Steel Phallus,” this Shinto celebration is all about fertility. Giant phallus-shaped shrines are paraded through the streets, and visitors can enjoy phallic-themed snacks and souvenirs. It’s as cheeky as it sounds!

14. Air Guitar World Championships (Oulu, Finland)

For those who’ve ever pretended to rock out with an imaginary guitar, this is your moment to shine. Competitors from around the world gather in Finland to showcase their air guitar skills, proving that you don’t need a real instrument to be a rock star.

15. Night of the Radishes (Oaxaca, Mexico)

Every December 23rd, artisans in Oaxaca carve intricate scenes out of giant radishes. The festival, known as Noche de Rábanos, showcases these edible artworks in a competition that blends creativity and tradition. It’s a radish like you’ve never seen before!

The world is full of strange and wonderful traditions, and these quirky festivals are proof that there’s no limit to human creativity. Whether you’re chasing cheese, throwing tomatoes, or watching monkeys feast, these events offer a unique way to experience different cultures—and maybe even step out of your comfort zone. So, which festival will you add to your travel plans? Let us know in the comments!

Have you attended any of these festivals? Or do you know of another quirky celebration that deserves a spot on this list? Share your thoughts and experiences below!