The most unusual holidays of the peoples of the world. The most unusual holidays: description, history and interesting facts

1. Holiday "Las Fayas" (Valencia, Spain)
The fiery holiday is held from 14 to 19 March and attracts thousands of tourists. Every day, exactly at 14:00, the so-called "mascleta" begins - a competition of pyrotechnics on the ground, and closer to the night fireworks are launched into the sky. The culmination of the holiday is La Crema - the burning of huge figures and stuffed animals specially prepared for this holiday.

2. Mountain Oyster World Championship (Throckmorton, USA)
Not far from Texas, in May, the "mountain oyster" championship is held ... In fact, oysters here "do not smell". This is just a slang term that local cowboys call bull eggs. The first prize awaits the one who roasts them in the best way. Judges evaluate literally everything: the appearance of the cooked dish, how it is served, aroma and taste. According to these criteria, the winner is selected.

3. Cheese Rolling at Cooper's Hill (Coopers Hill, UK)
In a small, pretty place near Gloucester, a rolling cheese race is held on the last Monday in May. According to the rules of the competition, a round head of cheese is launched down the slope, after which the participants begin to pursue it. The winner is the one who first catches up and grabs the "escaping" cheese. Wounds and bruises, sometimes very serious, are common in cheese races, so doctors are always on duty at the foot of the hill.

4. Summer Solstice (Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK)
The solstice holiday is not rare and is celebrated in the cultures of many peoples of the world, but in the UK it has become special since 2000, when the authorities allowed everyone to spend the night of June 21 among the huge relic mythical stones, and even touch them (this is prohibited during the rest of the year). ). The action is complemented by the rumble of drums, which subsides with the onset of dawn.

5. Bird People Festival (Bognor City, UK)
The unusual event takes place in July, has been celebrated for a long time and is the progenitor of many similar competitions around the world. Competitors scatter on a wide platform built above the surface of the sea and jump. The task of the "bird-man" is to fly as far as possible, while using makeshift wings.

6. Amtrak Mooning or Demonstration of naked buttocks (Laguna Niguel, USA)
Every second Saturday in July, hundreds of people gather in Laguna Niguel, California, near the railroad tracks for the sole purpose of showing their bare bottoms to passing train passengers. To avoid the riots that have taken place in years past, the authorities banned the participants from publicly urinating and drinking alcohol all day long.

7. Lover Drag World Championship (Sonkajärvi, Finland)
On July 4, 2009, the 14th World Cup of Lover and Wife Transfer will be held in a small Finnish town. According to the rules, any man paired with a woman over 17 years old can participate in this competition. This competition comes from the ancient tradition of the Vikings, when, carrying their wives on ships, for convenience, they perched them on their backs. If during the competition a woman steps on the ground with her foot, the couple receives a penalty and their result is not counted.

8. Feast of "Tomatina" (Buñol, Spain)
Among the Spaniards, this holiday is not as popular as among foreign tourists who seek to participate in the "tomato battle". This celebration takes place on the last Wednesday of August in a small place near Valencia. More than 100 tons of tomatoes are used as "weapons". Tip - do not wear expensive clothes if you want to participate in this holiday.

9. Swamp Diving World Championship (Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales, UK)
The English are by nature crazier than people think, especially when it comes to holidays. Their Welsh neighbors are in no way inferior to them. Every last Monday in August, dozens of brave Welsh jump into the swamp to overcome the distance of 55 meters. From the equipment you can use only fins and masks for diving. Surprisingly, the last sailor also receives a prize.

10. "Burning Man" (Black Rock Desert, USA)
During the week leading up to Labor Day in the US (the first Monday in September), thousands of people gather in a remote area of the Nevada desert to create their own sand city, where everyone can freely express their creativity. At the end of the week, when everything has been properly cleaned and all created artwork has been disposed of, the effigy is burned. Therefore, the event is called the Burning Man Festival.

11. International Pirate Day
On September 19, it is necessary to put on a bandana and a bandage over one eye, speak a special "pirate" language, not forgetting to remember piastres and "thousands of devils". The holiday originated in the United States, but has become worldwide popular thanks to the Internet.

12. World Cup of Faces (Egremont, UK)
There is evidence that grimacing competitions originated as early as 1297, at the crab fair in Egremont. Surprisingly, this championship has survived to this day, has become international and is held here every September. The legendary champion Peter Jackson, the owner of the title of "the most terrible mug", for the sake of victory, pulled out all his teeth to make it easier for him to grimace.

Easter, Christmas, New Year are known to people all over the world. But, there are other holidays, which, to put it mildly, are a bit unusual.

Each nation has its own colorful, interesting and unusual holidays. They were invented in different countries of the world in order to diversify people's lives, fill it with bright colors. Such holidays allow not to forget about national traditions.

Below is a brief overview of the most unusual holidays, which are also widely celebrated, although not all over the world.

Unusual holidays

1. Night of the radish (Mexico)
The holiday is held annually on December 23 in the city of Oaxaca. The city is famous for its woodcarvers. In 1889, farmers decided to try carving radishes to attract buyers. And it worked. The festival lasts several hours, but attracts a large number of spectators and participants. Masters carve all kinds of figurines of people, animals, buildings from radishes.

The main theme of the festival is Christmas stories. Some sculptures weigh up to 3 kilograms and reach a length of 50 cm. There are several competitions in the program of the holiday, during which they choose the thickest, leanest, longest and roundest radish. The holiday is accompanied by cheerful music, dancing and the sale of delicious sweets.

2. Hangul Day (pronouncement of the Korean alphabet)

October 9th is the day the Korean alphabet was proclaimed in South Korea. It is worth clarifying that this day marks the creation and proclamation of the original alphabet of the Korean language (Hangul) by King Sejong the Great. In 1446, the ninth month of the lunar calendar, the king promulgated a document introducing a new alphabet.

Until the 20th century, this language was used to a limited extent. But in the second half of the last century, Hangul became the main writing system in Korea. In 1991, the holiday lost the status of a public holiday, but remained a national one.

3. Lame Duck Day (USA)

On February 6, Americans celebrate Lame Duck Day. "Lame Duck" is an informal nickname for presidents and politicians who lost the next election, but are still forced to remain in office until the end of their term. In American political jargon, the phrase appeared in the middle of the 19th century.

Also, lame ducks are sometimes called teachers in educational institutions or executives and managers of companies who should quit soon, but are still working their last days at their jobs.

4. Cheung Chau Bung Festival (Gogkkong)

The Bun Festival is held on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month in the Chinese calendar. This is one of the brightest traditional holidays in China. The holiday began to be celebrated about a century ago, when an epidemic of plague struck the island. To appease the spirits, the local population set up an altar with offerings in front of the god Pak Tai and the plague receded. Since then, and to this day, the inhabitants of the island arrange parades and festivities.

The celebration begins when three 18-meter towers line up in front of the temple, which are completely covered with buns and pastries. People should collect as many buns as possible, the more pastries a person collects from the towers, the more lucky the next year will be.

5. Lammas Day

Lammas Day, celebrated in the English-speaking countries of the northern hemisphere on August 1, has many names, but the most common is Lughnasad, which translates as "Lug's gathering" or "Lug's wedding." Lug is one of the gods of the Celtic pantheon, the patron of agriculture and crafts.

The most important dish on Lammas is bread in all its variations, which the inhabitants bring to the local church. Fruits and nuts are also placed on the festive table. On this day, several rituals are performed, and after that, the residents prefer to continue the celebration in nature, if the weather allows.

6. Beer Day (Iceland)

If you are a beer lover, then you need to visit the beer festival on March 1 in Iceland. On that day, the adoption of the strong beer law, which has been in force since 1989, is celebrated. This act abolished the dry law, which had been in force for 75 years.

The most important thing on this day is to drink as much beer as you like. On this day, most offices, institutions and banks work less, but this does not apply to drinking establishments.

7. Setsebun, Bean Throwing Day (Japan)

Setsebun, or Bean Scattering Day, is celebrated on the first day of spring, on the 3rd and 4th of February according to the Japanese calendar. On this day, people scatter beans (rite mame-maki) in houses, streets and temples to drive away evil spirits and invite happiness into the home.

According to an ancient legend, once an epidemic claimed many lives and evil spirits were to blame. They were driven away only with the help of roasted beans. This is where the mame-maki ritual was born to expel evil spirits and preserve well-being.

Holidays of the peoples of the world

8. Nenan Ice Lottery (Alaska)

The lottery takes place in the village of Nenana. This tradition began in 1917. That year, the winter was especially long, and a group of railroad engineers began to bet on when the ice on the Tanana River would begin to crack. The next year they were supported by a few more people and it became a tradition.

Participants of the lottery must guess the day and exact time of ice breaking on the river. A large tripod is set up on the ice, tied to a special watch on the shore. As the ice begins to melt and crack, the tripod falls into the water, stopping the clockwork. The winner is announced. The biggest win was $303,895.

9. Nyepi Day (day of silence)

Nyepi or Day of Silence in Bali is an analogue of the new year, but is celebrated every spring on the night of the new moon. Thus, the date of the celebration changes every year. Nyepi is one of the most important holidays in the culture of the island, it is preceded by several ritual ceremonies, during which almost all the islanders participate. After the ceremonies. the next day at 6 am the whole island is immersed in peace and quiet. The point is to make the demons believe that the island is empty.

Nothing works on the island, except for an ambulance. On this day, the police patrol the city to make sure that all citizens meet the new year without lights, TV, radio and noisy feasts, thinking about what awaits them next year and what goals they set for themselves. The guests of the island must also obey the rules of Nyepi. The next day, a fun carnival begins.

10. Tomatina

In the last week of August, the city of Bunol in eastern Spain hosts an annual tomato festival dedicated to the outgoing summer. This Spanish holiday comes with fireworks, music, dancing and free food. A distinctive feature of the holiday, which attracts crowds of tourists, is the Tomatina tomato battle (La Tomatina).

The history of the holiday dates back to 1945, when a group of friends staged a tomato duel on the square. Despite attempts by the authorities to ban the holiday, the festival is becoming more and more popular. And although the battle itself lasts about 1.5 hours, the consumption of tomatoes reaches 100 tons.

11. Festival of Colors (Holi)

One of the most famous holidays in India is the festival of colors Holi. It marks the arrival of spring in Hinduism, and falls at the end of February - beginning of March. The festival is dedicated to Holika, the legendary sister of the mythical king Hiranyakashipu, who refused to kill the little prince Prahlad, who believed in Vishnu, on her brother's orders, and died in a fire saving a child.

On the first day of the festival, in the late afternoon, bonfires are lit in honor of Holika, symbolizing her burning. The second day (Dhalundi) of the festival is dedicated to colors: the participants of the festival shower each other and everyone they meet with coloring powders and water. This tradition originates from the legends about the love of Krishna and Radha, whose face the young god painted with powder as a child. With a special scope, Holi is celebrated in the Indian villages around Mathura - in the homeland of Krishna.

12 Cooperschild Cheese Race

Held on the last Monday of May in Gloucester, England. Competitors climb the hill and, after the signal, rush after the rolling head of cheese. Whoever crosses the finish line first and grabs the cheese gets it as a prize. Despite the very high level of injuries, the holiday attracts a huge number of people who want to take part and tourists.

The origin of the holiday is unknown, but the tradition of holding it dates back about 200 years and is becoming more and more popular every year.

13. Monkey Banquet

Monkey Banquet is one of the most unusual holidays in Thailand. Once a year, since 1989, the Thais have hosted a feast for 600 invited primates, although many more guests come. On a huge 7 meter table, covered with a red tablecloth, you can find everything that the monkey soul desires: all kinds of tropical fruits, vegetables and rice, only 2 tons. You can even find soda and sweets there. Thus, the inhabitants of the city of Lopburi thank the macaques for victories in past wars. According to legend, the god Rama gave these lands to his best friend, the monkey king Hanuman. It was the monkeys who helped the king save Rama's wife, Sita, and defeat the enemies.

The holiday begins on the last Sunday of November at the ruins of an ancient temple. The Governor delivers a celebratory speech to the primates. There are a great many of them. Then real invitations tied to cashew nuts are handed out. A few brave males appear first, then all the other members of the pack. Crowds of tourists and locals try to capture this feast on camera. Well-fed and cheerful monkeys even allow themselves to be stroked.

Hundreds of holidays are celebrated annually in the world, with the preservation of ancient traditions and distinctive originality. Gone are the days of bloody sacrifices. They were replaced by harmless offerings to gods and idols in the form of fruits, dances and songs. Many of them will seem strange, but they are all worth visiting and forming your own opinion.

The most unusual thing here is that the day of celebration was not chosen by chance, but corresponds to the first three digits of the number. The first category is the month (March - 3 in a row), and the next two indicate the day (14). The number pi is the ratio of the circumference and radius, and is infinite (3.141592 ...), but it is customary to write only 3 digits (3.14). This strange holiday appeared in 1988 in San Francisco. On this day, in the circles of scientists, it is customary to celebrate the holiday on a grand scale. Round pies are put on the table, the table itself is also usually round. Fun fact: Pi's day is the same as Albert Einstein's.

Handwriting Day, or Handwriting Day

With the advent of new technologies, people write less and less with their own hands. In connection with this, such a holiday was born. It reminds people that handwriting is unique and inimitable for each person. It needs to be practiced. It is interesting that the character of a person can be determined from handwriting, namely, by its width, length, distance between letters, slope, etc. This is very helpful for criminalists. The initiator of such an unusual holiday was the company Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association and proclaimed its date - January 23rd. Interesting fact: this day coincides with the birthday of John Hancock. His handwriting is sweeping and broad.

Children's Invention Day

In another way, this day is called the Day of Children-Inventors and it is celebrated on January 17th. Why does it have such a name? Yes, because there are a lot of things invented by children in the world, perhaps few people know about this, but this is a fact. For example, the trampoline is the invention of 16-year-old George Nissen, the state flag of Alaska is the invention of 13-year-old Benny Benson. There are other famous but faceless inventions of young geniuses. Ice cream, fingerless gloves, various games, fur headphones - all this is their work. To identify, encourage and develop the abilities of children, and came up with this wonderful holiday. An interesting fact: the day was symbolically chosen on the birthday of Benjamin Franklin, the great journalist, scientist, politician.

International Ear and Hearing Day

This international holiday is celebrated on March 3rd. It was created to raise awareness among citizens of different countries about possible hearing problems and ear diseases. Various events are held, doctors give useful advice or check the health of the population in this area. In some cases, there is free honey. help. A large number of people now suffer from deafness or incomplete hearing loss. Assistance is also provided to states that are members of the World Health Organization. An interesting fact: more than 175 million people suffer from hearing loss.

Chicken feast

Chicken holiday - originally a day of cleaning chicken coops in Rus'. It was celebrated on January 15th. It was believed that a seven-year-old dark rooster lays an egg on this day, and then the Basilisk snake hatches from it. And in order to protect themselves from this monster, they hung a dark stone called “Chicken God” in the chicken coop and fumigated it with resin and elecampane. An interesting fact: this day was considered beneficial for divination, so they often divined on bulbs and spoke from diseases.

Tree Day in Italy

This day has been celebrated in Italy for a very long time. Date - 21 March. Previously, people honored and respected nature, because they were inextricably linked with it. Farming, planting trees, shrubs - this is what made it possible for our ancestors to survive. They had a custom - during the planting of trees to arrange celebrations. For them it was of great importance. The trees were even given names and "categories of importance". However, this day became an official holiday only in 1923. And it is celebrated on a grand scale even now. Interesting fact: it was noted in 1898. The initiative was taken by Guido Bacelli, Minister of Education.

Juliet's birthday in Italy

Another unusual holiday is held in the same country. As we all know from school, Juliet is the heroine of the tragedy "Romeo and Juliet" by Shakespeare. It turns out that she was born on September 16th. To find out the exact date, many historians had to analyze this work several times. On this day, various events are held in the city of Verona: carnivals, theatrical performances, festivals, film screenings, etc. The inhabitants of this city are very proud of this unusual holiday and welcome guests with pleasure. By the way, letters addressed to Juliet still come there, crying out for help in personal love stories. These letters are answered by the girls from Juliet's club. An interesting fact: having compared a huge number of facts, it was Dr. Giuseppe Viviani who established the exact date of birth of the famous heroine, who at that time was not even 14 years old.

Birthday straws for cocktails

This is probably the most absurd holiday of all known. It is celebrated on January 3rd. The history of this drinking device dates back to the 1880s. And it went through several stages of development. They used to drink drinks from natural straws, but this was very inconvenient. And then one day Marvin Stone sat and drank his cocktail from such a tube, but he did not like that its fibers were drawn in and stuck on his teeth. He took the paper, rolled it up and secured it with glue. It was quite comfortable, but she quickly got wet. Then he came across a postage stamp that did not get wet. Since then, he decided to make such tubes. At first, nothing worked out with the sale of his innovative invention, but on January 3, 1888, he nevertheless patented his invention. It was then that this device began to spread. An interesting fact: at first this invention was distributed in hospitals and hospitals for bedridden patients. They were economical and easy to use, then spread to bars and cafes.

Now there are a huge number of holidays in the world, among which you can find so absurd and funny that it is difficult to understand their meaning. But for every nation they will be honored and respected. They will be that special that distinguishes them, their sublime and symbolic. Only 8 were listed here. But there are many more!

Easter, New Year, Halloween - these holidays are familiar to everyone all over the world. But, there are other holidays, which, to put it mildly, are a bit unusual.

Below is a brief overview of the most unusual holidays, which are also widely celebrated, although not all over the world.

Unusual holidays

1. Night of the radish (Mexico)

The holiday is held annually on December 23 in the city of Oaxaca. The city is famous for its woodcarvers. In 1889, farmers decided to try carving radishes to attract buyers. And it worked. The festival lasts several hours, but attracts a large number of spectators and participants. Masters carve all kinds of figurines of people, animals, buildings from radishes.

2. Hangul Day (pronouncement of the Korean alphabet)

October 9th is the day the Korean alphabet was proclaimed in South Korea. It is worth clarifying that this day marks the creation and proclamation of the original alphabet of the Korean language (Hangul) by King Sejong the Great. In 1446, the ninth month of the lunar calendar, the king promulgated a document introducing a new alphabet.

3. Lame Duck Day (USA)

On February 6, Americans celebrate Lame Duck Day. "Lame Duck" is an informal nickname for presidents and politicians who lost the next election, but are still forced to remain in office until the end of their term. In American political jargon, the phrase appeared in the middle of the 19th century.

Also, lame ducks are sometimes called teachers in educational institutions or executives and managers of companies who should quit soon, but are still working their last days at their jobs.

4. Cheung Chau Bung Festival (Gogkkong)

The Bun Festival is held on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month in the Chinese calendar. This is one of the brightest traditional holidays in China. The holiday began to be celebrated about a century ago, when an epidemic of plague struck the island. To appease the spirits, the local population set up an altar with offerings in front of the god Pak Tai and the plague receded. Since then, and to this day, the inhabitants of the island arrange parades and festivities.

5. Lammas Day

Lammas Day, celebrated in the English-speaking countries of the northern hemisphere on August 1, has many names, but the most common is Lughnasad, which translates as "Lug's gathering" or "Lug's wedding." Lug is one of the gods of the Celtic pantheon, the patron of agriculture and crafts.

6. Beer Day (Iceland)

If you are a beer lover, then you need to visit the beer festival on March 1 in Iceland. On that day, the adoption of the strong beer law, which has been in force since 1989, is celebrated. This act abolished the dry law, which had been in force for 75 years.

The most important thing on this day is to drink as much beer as you like. On this day, most offices, institutions and banks work less, but this does not apply to drinking establishments.

7. Setsebun, Bean Throwing Day (Japan)

Setsebun, or Bean Scattering Day, is celebrated on the first day of spring, on the 3rd and 4th of February according to the Japanese calendar. On this day, people scatter beans (rite mame-maki) in houses, streets and temples to drive away evil spirits and invite happiness into the home.

Holidays of the peoples of the world

8. Nenan Ice Lottery (Alaska)

The lottery takes place in the village of Nenana. This tradition began in 1917. That year, the winter was especially long, and a group of railroad engineers began to bet on when the ice on the Tanana River would begin to crack. The next year they were supported by a few more people and it became a tradition.

9. Nyepi Day (day of silence)

Nyepi or Day of Silence in Bali is an analogue of the new year, but is celebrated every spring on the night of the new moon. Thus, the date of the celebration changes every year. Nyepi is one of the most important holidays in the culture of the island, it is preceded by several ritual ceremonies, during which almost all the islanders participate. After the ceremonies. the next day at 6 am the whole island is immersed in peace and quiet. The point is to make the demons believe that the island is empty.

10. Tomatina

In the last week of August, the city of Bunol in eastern Spain hosts an annual tomato festival dedicated to the outgoing summer. This Spanish holiday comes with fireworks, music, dancing and free food. A distinctive feature of the holiday, which attracts crowds of tourists, is the Tomatina tomato battle (La Tomatina).

11. Festival of colors (Holi).

One of the most famous holidays in India is the festival of colors Holi. It marks the arrival of spring in Hinduism, and falls at the end of February - beginning of March. The festival is dedicated to Holika, the legendary sister of the mythical king Hiranyakashipu, who refused to kill the little prince Prahlad, who believed in Vishnu, on her brother's orders, and died in a fire saving a child.

12 Cooperschild Cheese Race

Held on the last Monday of May in Gloucester, England. Competitors climb the hill and, after the signal, rush after the rolling head of cheese. Whoever crosses the finish line first and grabs the cheese gets it as a prize. Despite the very high level of injuries, the holiday attracts a huge number of people who want to take part and tourists.

The origin of the holiday is unknown, but the tradition of holding it dates back about 200 years and is becoming more and more popular every year.

13. Monkey Banquet

Monkey Banquet is one of the most unusual holidays in Thailand. Once a year, since 1989, the Thais have hosted a feast for 600 invited primates, although many more guests come. On a huge 7 meter table, covered with a red tablecloth, you can find everything that the monkey soul desires: all kinds of tropical fruits, vegetables and rice, only 2 tons. You can even find soda and sweets there. Thus, the inhabitants of the city of Lopburi thank the macaques for victories in past wars. According to legend, the god Rama gave these lands to his best friend, the monkey king Hanuman. It was the monkeys who helped the king save Rama's wife, Sita, and defeat the enemies.

Hundreds of holidays are celebrated annually in the world, with the preservation of ancient traditions and distinctive originality. Gone are the days of bloody sacrifices. They were replaced by harmless offerings to gods and idols in the form of fruits, dances and songs. Many of them will seem strange, but they are all worth visiting and forming your own opinion.

Many tourists who go on vacation abroad prefer not just to wallow senselessly on the beach or look out the window at exotic landscapes, but to witness some unforgettable holiday or event that does not exist in their home country. We can safely say that in every state there is something similar. After all, any nation has its own traditions, which many foreigners who come to their homeland on vacation dream of joining at least for a short time.

A list of some of them with a short description is attached below as a kind of guide to the most unusual holidays celebrated in different parts of the Earth.

January 11 should, without any exaggeration, be called the most "polite" date of the year. It is on this day that International Thank You Day is celebrated. Each of the people on Earth, in whatever country he lives, miraculously realizes the high importance of decent manners, their indispensability in everyday life. That's just the lion's share of thanks we voice as if by chance, without really delving into their meaning.

But in fact, any word of gratitude uttered in response to a good deed has an almost mystical meaning and has a truly magical quality. With the help of a polite attitude towards each other, people are able not only to express their attention, but also to give joy to others. And this, you see, is not the last thing in our already tense and nervous life, which, without banal signs of politeness, can turn into a gloomy and meager existence.

Carnival in Argentina

This entertainment event is one of the longest holidays not only in Argentina itself, but throughout the world. Starting from the first Saturday of January, carnivals continue for more than two months every Saturday and last until the beginning of March. Locals call this time only as "the time of love and carnivals." During the Argentine carnivals, the streets of its cities are transformed. They are filled with cheerful dancers whose repertoire is dominated by eye-pleasing dazzling South American dances.

There is no such corner where you would not hear the loud beat of the drums and the rhythms of the sultry samba would not sound. But the main "chip" of the carnival is a grandiose procession, the participants of which dress in multi-colored feathers, all kinds of rhinestones, shiny shreds of fabric and do not stop dancing throughout the marathon. Giant man-made figures also play an important role in the demonstration, thanks to which everyone's favorite atmosphere of celebration and fun appears at the carnival.

flower festival in thailand

Many tourists who go on vacation to Thailand try to combine it with the world-famous Flower Festival, which is celebrated every year in the city of Chiang Mai, located in the north of the state. Starting on the first Friday of February, it is celebrated for three days. Thanks to the festival, a small town by generally accepted standards turns into a source of fun and joy, gushing like a fountain and covering everyone who decides to take part in an unusual holiday. The streets of Chiang Mai during the Flower Festival are filled with crowds of walking people, among whom there are a lot of musicians playing their instruments without interruption.

Like a multi-colored river that has emerged from its course, the celebrants disperse along the streets and avenues of the city. Tourists arriving these days immediately pour into the common cheerful stream to make it even more full-flowing. At this time, millions of various flowers are carried along Chingmai. Representatives of the weaker sex try to win the hearts of those around them with an unusual abundance of national costumes, which they sewed with their own hands for the holiday. Indeed, at the end of the Festival, a finicky jury will choose the most beautiful of the girls, who will be proclaimed the queen of flowers.

Maslenitsa

For Russians, it is something familiar and no one classifies it as the most unusual holiday, but for foreigners it is considered one of the most exotic entertainment events. The holiday that we inherited from our ancient ancestors managed to combine both pagan and Christian motifs. In essence, Maslenitsa is nothing more than a farewell to winter, which is replaced by the long-awaited warmth and cheerful renewal of nature in more joyful colors.

The main attribute of Shrovetide is pancakes, which, by the way, have a ritual significance. Hot and round, they personify the sun itself, which begins to warm the world around us more and more, lengthens the day and drives away despondency and dullness. Despite the centuries that have passed since the first celebration of Maslenitsa, we still celebrate it with no less enthusiasm than our distant ancestors, who, with the arrival of Russian Christianity in the lands, did not dare to abandon such a joyful and cheerful event, adapting it to a new faith.

Cake Day in Iceland

At first, it was customary to celebrate the days preceding Great Lent in Iceland with rich feasts and plentiful libations. But already in the 19th century, a new tradition came to the country from Denmark, which was immediately enthusiastically supported by all the locals, and especially the bakers. The thing is that these days it has become customary to consume in incredible quantities cakes specially prepared for the holiday, the filling of which consisted of whipped cream, and they were poured with icing on top.

In addition, during the celebration of the Day of Cakes, Icelandic children made it a habit to walk the streets, sing songs and beg for desired sweets in bakeries that come across on the way. Since then, cakes, called "Bullur", have become the main product sold in the country a few days before the start of the holiday, which is incredibly pleasing not only for children, but also for older confectionery lovers.

Fallas in Spain

This holiday is usually celebrated on the night of March 19-20. It consists in the burning of giant dolls and is a kind of finale for the pyrotechnics parade that began to be celebrated on March 1. Throughout these days, competitions of the best pyrotechnicians are held in the cities, who are trying to conquer the surrounding views of the most unforgettable fireworks in their lives. At the same time, independent teams walk along the streets of Spain, whose members traditionally wear black shirts and checkered scarves are tied around their necks.

From these people you can expect any unpleasant dirty tricks. They, not really thinking about the consequences, are ready to throw a firecracker or a bomb under the feet of any passer-by. At the same time, they absolutely do not care about whether the tourists they come across are familiar with the rules for celebrating Fallas or not. Yes, and the locals themselves are happy to contribute to the transformation of their native city into a kind of rumbling and cracker-shooting volcano.

Floral marathon

It is celebrated in the capital of Great Britain on April 14 every year. In essence, this marathon is an ordinary sporting event, but in fact it is something more, which has long turned into the largest street party in the world.

The marathon distance is 26.2 miles. Throughout its length, the roar of drums sounds, street performances and performances take place, and everyone can watch the sports procession from the windows of numerous pubs, the regulars of which support the marathon participants with loud shouts. Every self-respecting London organization, no matter how small, tries to prepare its own performance for the holiday, which can be seen by any of the guests or residents of the city.

flower contest

At the end of April, a grand flower parade is held in the Netherlands. Numerous moving platforms decorated with flower displays run forty-two kilometers. This tradition of holding a flower contest appeared in the late forties of the last century. Tired after the Second World War, people wanted to become participants in some unusual and bright holiday.

The route of the parade runs through the cities of the so-called "onion" region of Holland, such as Noordwijk, Hilleg, Haarlem, Lisse and others. The holiday is held for several days at the end of April, during the flowering period of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other flowers belonging to the bulbous family.

UK Whiskey Festival

While the Spring and Labor Day is celebrated in Russia and a number of other countries, the progressive society of Scotland celebrates the National Whiskey Festival from May 1 to May 3. And all because this drink is almost the only product that all Scots are proud of and which is known all over the world. Only these days ordinary people are allowed to visit the territory of the most famous factories producing elite brands of whiskey.

Usually no one from the street is allowed into the holy of holies. But visitors are not so much interested in the process of producing their favorite alcoholic drink as in its tasting, since only on festival days they can taste the best varieties of aromatic whiskey belonging to rare brands.

Parrot Festival in France

Every first Sunday in May, about forty crossbowmen from all over France gather in the Haute-Garonne. Dressed in medieval costumes, they are trying to hit a parrot weighing seven kilograms, sitting on top of a long mast, whose height is 45 meters, with an arrow. The one who manages to shoot the unfortunate bird automatically takes the place of the king of the holiday. This tradition is rooted in history. Several centuries ago, the inhabitants of the city of Courtrai, located in Flanders, had to fight off the siege of the French knights.

For many years, it was believed that it was almost impossible to cope with horsemen dressed in armor at a long distance - ordinary arrows fired from bows were not able to penetrate their armor. However, the inhabitants of the city were armed with crossbows, with which they shot the knights like partridges in the forest.

Cat Festival in Belgium

This festival is an old Belgian tradition, the origins of which go back to the distant Middle Ages. In those days, cats were considered the fiends of hell, and getting rid of them was the most important thing for all self-respecting superstitious Christians. Today the festival is held in May in the city of Ypres, where a large number of toy cats and cats are thrown from a high bell tower into the crowd of people. All this action is accompanied by spectacular costume performances and parades with the participation of people dressed as cats.

Montreal International Jazz Festival

For more than thirty years, every July in Montreal is held one of the most jazz, to visit which is the dream of all fans of this musical direction. It was even included in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest of its kind in the world. The Jazz Festival is almost the only attraction of this Canadian city, whose streets, squares, cafes and restaurants turn into real concert venues during the festival.

Festival of Lights in Cuba

Spends from July 3 to 9 in Santiago, located in the east of Liberty Island. The highlight of the holiday is the enchanting performance of fakirs, illusionists, pyrotechnicians and other "masters" of fire. The spectacle of the night Santiago is especially beautiful, on the boulevards of which there are “fiery performances”, all kinds of games with fire, and any disco is held under the light of flaming torches. Each night of the Festival of Lights ends with a majestic fireworks display capable of delivering aesthetic pleasure to any fan of "fiery" spectacles.

Tomatina in Spain

The second name of this holiday sounds like the Battle of Tomatoes. Tomatina is held in the last week of August and is a kind of farewell to the outgoing summer. The "Tomato Festival" is held in the city of Bunyol. Like most Spanish holidays, it is accompanied by dances, fireworks, music and traditional "free" treats. The beginning of the fun festival is the popping of firecrackers, which are thrown from the city hall on Wednesday at exactly 11 o'clock in the afternoon. At this time, trucks full of tomatoes enter the streets of Bunyol. Immediately, all the inhabitants of the city rush to them, grab ripe tomatoes and begin to throw them at everyone.

Surprisingly stupid and meaningless holiday, but very bright and cheerful. In addition, it also has some psychological feature - thanks to throwing tomatoes, a person can get emotional release and vent his anger on unfortunate tomatoes and people in whom they can be happy to launch.

Oktoberfest in Germany

Starting in Munich on the third weekend of September, the largest beer festival in the world is rightfully the dream of any alcoholic. For 16 days here you can taste an unimaginable amount of foamy drink, eating them with traditional Bavarian sausages and sausages. October 12, 1810 is considered the birthday of Oktoberfest, when the wedding of Princess Therese of Saxony and Crown Prince Ludwig the First took place. All Munich residents were invited to the celebration, for whom free beer was put up, and horse races were staged as spectacles.

Candy Day in the USA

Every third Saturday in October, Americans celebrate Candy Day with pleasure. Its roots go back to 1922, when a compassionate Cleveland confectioner named Herbert Kingston decided to throw a holiday for all those who experienced hard times in those days - orphans, the poor and other people in need.

Karva Chout in India

In October, the people of India, as well as the Hindus outside of it, celebrate the traditional holiday of Karva Chowt, which is a festival of all married women. On this day, all married Indian women fast, refusing to eat or drink. Thus, they allegedly wish their husbands a long life. This ritual speaks of the devotion of Indian women to their husbands, for the sake of which they agree to give up their own needs for the well-being of their beloved spouses.

Yule

It is celebrated at the end of December and is one of the most beloved holidays in Scandinavia. Despite the fact that Yule is actually a purely pagan ritual, the Vikings and their descendants do not consider it shameful to celebrate it along with Christian holidays. However, as in our case with everyone's favorite Shrove Tuesday. It is generally accepted that on the days of Yule, the gods descend to earth, all kinds of mythical creatures come into contact with ordinary people, and the dead leave their Lower World for a while.

camel festival

Held in January in India. The festival begins with a bright parade of festively dressed camels, one sight of which is able to enchant the audience with its splendor and exoticism. Further on the holiday there are all kinds of competitions, accompanied by music and fun. This festival reaches a special triumph in Delhi, where a military parade takes place. Horses, elephants and, of course, camels participating in it, fighting and dressed in bright blankets, take viewers centuries back, to the heroic past of the country.

Thaipusam holiday

The holiday is celebrated in January in Singapore. On this day, every self-respecting local resident can make a wish, and the gods will surely fulfill it. And those who want their dream to become a reality as soon as possible can bring an unusual sacrifice to higher powers. For example, putting oneself into a religious trance, pierce the cheeks or tongue with a silver needle, personifying the spear "led", with the help of which Muruga was able to drive away the evil asura demons.

Carnival Trinidad and Tobago

The holiday takes place in February in Trinidad, five days before the start of Lent. In appearance, the carnival looks a lot like the famous one, but it also has a number of significant differences. For example, it takes place to the music of calypso and the game of the so-called steel bands - orchestras consisting of "steel drums".

Dead Rat Ball

Every second Saturday in March, an unusual festival is held in the Belgian Ostend - the Ball of the Dead Rat. Despite such a frightening name, there is nothing terrible in it. It's just that everyone who decides to take part in the celebration is obliged to put aside all fashion trends and dress up in the most provocative and colorful costume. This masquerade dates back to 1896, when the Brotherhood of the Dead Rat decided to create something unusual so that they could have the most fun and carefree time.

Songkran holiday

Songkran is the start of the Thai New Year and is celebrated in April. On this day, everyone pours water on each other. This ritual refers to the ritual purification adopted in Buddhism. Foreign tourists are especially hard hit, and apparently the locals consider them the most vicious and in need of cleansing.

Pyrotechnic show "Scoppio del Carro"

In the days of April, on the day of the celebration of Catholic Easter, an unusual parade takes place in Florence, nicknamed "Scoppio Del Carro". Through the whole city, on a large bandage, led by two dazzling white oxen, they carry a rocket shaped like a dove. She even has her own name - Columbine. After the rocket is consecrated by the archbishop, a huge number of fireworks are lit from it in the central square of the city, thanks to which the holiday becomes truly unforgettable.

Rhine on fire

For more than seven decades, in all German cities along the banks of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, the so-called "wine" festivals have been held in September, the main highlight of which is a pyrotechnic performance in the evenings.

The effect of the fire show seen becomes stronger due to the reflections of fireworks and fireworks in the river water. The audience standing on the shore watches with delight the ships passing by, showered with multi-colored sparks. And amazing fiery flowers “bloom” high in the sky, coastal historical buildings refreshing with a certain mystical light - palaces, fortresses, castles, colorful ruins.

temple procession

The temple procession, or Sanja Matsuri in Japanese, takes place in Tokyo in May. Almost two million people who are representatives of one or another Buddhist temple (mikosi) rush to take part in the holiday. This procession is called “Temple” because its participants carry copies of Japanese temples on a stretcher. At the same time, no mock-up should weigh more than 220 kg.

In total, about a hundred mikoshi are represented in the festive procession. Sanja Matsuri is also a celebration of the Japanese national costume. On this day, people dressed as geishas, medieval musicians and dancers, samurai and other traditional clothes walk the streets of Tokyo.