I have a confession to make. I love weird things. The kind of things that make you pause, raise an eyebrow, and say, “Wait… people actually do this?” And if there’s one thing that never disappoints in the “weird and wonderful” category, it’s festivals around the world.

Forget your usual music festivals and holiday parades—these are events where people throw tomatoes at each other, run from giant flaming balls, or even strip down in freezing weather just for the fun of it. And guess what? I’m absolutely here for it.

So, grab a snack (preferably not tomatoes) and get ready to explore the craziest, funniest, and most bizarre festivals around the world!

1️⃣ La Tomatina – Spain (Yes, It’s a Giant Food Fight)

Let’s start with a festival that I would 100% sign up for—La Tomatina.

Picture this: You’re in Buñol, Spain. The streets are packed with thousands of people, and suddenly, trucks roll in, dumping over 100,000 kilograms of tomatoes. What happens next? Absolute mayhem.

People start hurling tomatoes at each other like it’s a battlefield, and within minutes, the streets turn into a giant river of red, as if someone filmed a horror movie but forgot the plot. No winners, no losers—just an epic, messy, and slightly questionable way to spend a Wednesday.

Would I participate? Absolutely. Free therapy session? Check. Unlimited tomato sauce? Also check. Just remind me to wear goggles because getting tomato juice in your eyes is apparently a real struggle.

2️⃣ Japan’s Naked Festival – Hadaka Matsuri  (No, Really.)

Now, let me introduce you to a festival that requires absolute bravery and a lack of shame—Hadaka Matsuri.

Imagine this: Thousands of men, mostly in nothing but a tiny white loincloth, running around in the freezing cold. Why? Because good luck. That’s it. The goal is to touch a sacred object (usually a stick or lucky charm) and bring yourself fortune for the year.

I have so many questions. Who started this? Who thought, “You know what would be fun? Running half-naked in the cold and tackling strangers for a piece of wood”? And why does it look like the world’s strangest rugby match?

Would I participate? Hard pass. I’ll support from the sidelines… fully clothed.

3️⃣ The Monkey Buffet Festival – Thailand (A VIP Feast for Monkeys)

I thought I had seen everything, but then I stumbled upon this gem: Thailand’s Monkey Buffet Festival.

Yes, you read that right. An all-you-can-eat buffet… for monkeys.

Every year in Lopburi, locals prepare a massive feast of fruits, vegetables, and sweets for the thousands of monkeys that roam the city. The little guys go wild—grabbing bananas, climbing tables, and basically acting like greedy little kings. It’s like a Disney movie, but with more food theft.

Would I participate? If it means eating with the monkeys, sign me up. But if it means fighting them for food? I’ll pass. Monkeys don’t play fair. They have no rules.

4️⃣ The Baby Jumping Festival – Spain (Wait… What?!)

Spain, we need to talk. First, tomatoes. Now this?

Welcome to El Colacho, where grown men in devil costumes literally jump over newborn babies. Don’t worry, it’s not random. It’s a centuries-old tradition believed to cleanse babies of sin and bring them good luck.

Let me repeat that: People dress as devils and leap over rows of babies lying on mattresses.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I can barely jump over a puddle without slipping. If I was in this festival, it would end in disaster. The last thing I want is to be the person who trips and turns this baby-blessing into a baby disaster.

Would I participate? NOPE. I’m all for traditions, but this one feels like a high-risk Olympic sport.

5️⃣ Rolling Cheese Festival – UK 🧀 (Because Why Not?)

Now this one is just hilarious. Every year in Gloucester, England, people gather on a steep hill to chase a giant wheel of cheese down the slope.

It sounds fun, right? Until you realize that:✅ The cheese can reach speeds of 70 mph 🏎️✅ People literally fall, roll, and crash into each other just to catch it 🤕✅ Almost everyone ends up injured (but they keep coming back)

Would I participate? I mean… it’s cheese. Maybe I’d run… but only if I had medical insurance and knee pads.

So, Would You Go? 🤔

The world is wildly creative when it comes to celebrating. Some festivals make sense, some make no sense at all, and some leave you wondering “Who comes up with these things?!” But one thing is for sure—life is too short for boring celebrations.

Would you ever attend one of these festivals? Or better yet—which one sounds the most fun (or terrifying) to you? Let me know in the comments! 👇😂