Festivals are usually about tradition, celebration, and community. But around the globe, people have dreamed up gatherings that are anything but ordinary. Instead of the usual parades and fireworks, these events feature tomato fights, cheese-rolling races, and even coffins on wheels. Odd? Absolutely. Entertaining? Without question. Let’s take a tour of some of the world’s quirkiest festivals that prove celebration can come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of messiness.
La Tomatina – Spain’s Giant Food Fight
If you’ve ever wanted to throw food without guilt, the Spanish town of Buñol has the festival for you. Every August, thousands gather for La Tomatina, the world’s biggest tomato fight. Trucks unload tons of overripe tomatoes into the streets, and the crowd dives into an hour-long battle that leaves the town painted red.
It may look chaotic, but La Tomatina has rules: you must squish the tomatoes before throwing (to avoid injury), and once the signal ends, the fight is over. Afterward, the fire department hoses down the streets—and participants. Free stock photos of bright tomatoes, red-splattered streets, and laughing crowds make this festival visually unforgettable.
The Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling – England
Imagine chasing a runaway wheel of cheese down a near-vertical hill. Now imagine dozens of people tumbling after it like ragdolls. That’s exactly what happens at the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling Festival near Gloucester, England. A 9-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese is rolled from the top, and the first person to reach the bottom wins it.
Most participants don’t make it gracefully—sprained ankles and dramatic wipeouts are common—but the chaos is part of the fun. It’s one of the most famous “silly sports” in the world, with plenty of hilarious pictures showing fearless runners mid-air as they chase their dairy prize.
Monkey Buffet Festival – Thailand
In the Thai town of Lopburi, the residents hold a banquet not for humans, but for monkeys. Each November, long-tailed macaques are treated to a buffet of fruits, vegetables, cakes, and drinks piled high on tables. Locals believe the monkeys bring good luck, so this festival is a way of thanking them.
The sight of monkeys devouring plates of watermelon and climbing over soda bottles makes for entertaining photos. It’s also a reminder of how culture, tradition, and respect for nature can create truly unique celebrations.
Night of the Radishes – Mexico
Radishes don’t usually steal the spotlight, but in Oaxaca, Mexico, they take center stage every December 23rd. During the Night of the Radishes (Noche de Rábanos), locals carve giant radishes into intricate sculptures—everything from nativity scenes to animals and famous landmarks.
The festival started as a way for farmers to attract customers at Christmas markets, and it’s now a beloved tradition that draws thousands of visitors. Photos of the detailed radish carvings are surprisingly beautiful—and a little quirky.
The Coffin Races – Colorado, USA
Some festivals come with a spooky twist. In Manitou Springs, Colorado, the Emma Crawford Coffin Races honor a woman who was buried in the area in the 1800s. When her coffin later washed down a hill due to erosion, locals decided to turn the odd event into an annual race.
Teams decorate coffins, dress in costumes, and race them down the street while one “corpse” rides inside. It’s a mix of Halloween fun, community spirit, and over-the-top creativity. Costumes and decorated coffins make this festival a goldmine for quirky photos.
Baby Jumping Festival – Spain
Perhaps the most unusual tradition of all is El Colacho, held in Castrillo de Murcia, Spain. During this centuries-old festival, men dressed as devils literally jump over rows of babies lying on mattresses in the street. The ritual is believed to cleanse the infants of sin and protect them from evil spirits.
Although it looks shocking, it’s carefully organized, and no babies are harmed. The combination of colorful costumes, cheering crowds, and cultural history makes for fascinating photography—and plenty of conversation.
Why We Love Quirky Festivals
Odd festivals may seem strange at first, but they highlight the creativity and spirit of communities. Whether it’s rolling down a hill for cheese, carving radishes into masterpieces, or celebrating monkeys with a feast, these traditions remind us that joy can be found in the most unexpected places.
For travelers, attending one of these festivals is more than entertainment—it’s an unforgettable story to take home, along with some of the most unique photos you’ll ever snap.