5 of the Most Bizarre Festivals Around The World
For Filipinos like us, festivals are typically centered on religion or local-pride products, such as fruits and fish. But, believe it or not, the types of festivals observed outside the Philippines are utterly distinct from those observed here. You probably have no idea of the unique and bizarre festivals that other countries celebrate on a yearly basis.
If we have piqued your curiosity, then continue to scroll to discover and learn about five of the most bizarre festivals around the world.
#1 Kanamara Matsuri (Penis Festival)
The Kanamara Matsuri is a spring festival held in Kawasaki, Japan. The highlight of the festival is the three gigantic phalluses — images of the erect penis — carried on mobile shrines. Traditionally, sex workers attended the festival to offer prayers for protection from sexually transmitted diseases. But as time goes on, the theme has evolved into a more universal fertility ritual for successful conception and marriage. During the celebration, there’s a wide selection of themed goods, including penis-shaped toys, candies, and candles.
#2 San Fermín Running of the Bulls Festival
The Fiesta de San Fermín, or Festival of Saint Fermín, is a week-long festival celebrated in Pamplona, Spain to honor Saint Fermín, the first bishop and patron saint of the city. The running of the bulls is the most popular part of the event. A group of bulls mob through a narrow path to the city’s bullring as thousands of thrill-seekers race frantically to stay out of the bulls’ way. From balconies and the wooden barricades built to surround the circuit, spectators watch the race.
#3 Up Helly Aa
To commemorate the conclusion of the Yule (or Christmas) season, Up Helly Aa is an annual fire celebration that takes place from January to March in several Shetland communities in Scotland. Every celebration begins with a torchlit parade by groups of dressed-up participants, or “guizers,” and ends with the burning of a replica Viking ship.
#4 Boryeong Mud Festival
Every summer, Boryeong hosts a festival known as the Mud Festival. It’s a festival where you can get mud massages, plunge in the mud pool, and engage in a variety of muddy activities. It also serves as a means of appreciating the cosmetics made from Boryeong mud flats. Participants must be willing to forget about cleanliness for the complete muddy experience.
#5 Busójárás
The Busójárás is an annual celebration in the town of Mohács, Hungary to mark the end of winter. It features busós — grotesque-appearing costumed individuals (often men) wearing large wool cloaks and wooden masks. The origins of the celebration, however, are said to go back to the Battle of Mohács in 1526. According to folklore, the villagers disguised themselves as terrifying creatures and chased the Turkish troops away.
Which bizarre festival do you wish to go to? Let us know!
