Traditions are the practices and customs that are passed down from generation to generation. They are often unique to a particular region, culture, or religion. While some traditions are heartwarming and wholesome, others can be downright bizarre and strange. In this article, we will explore ten of the most unusual and bizarre traditions from around the world.
Rocky Mountain Oysters
We begin our list in the United States, where turkeys are not the only ones with something to offer on the Thanksgiving dinner table. Rocky Mountain Oysters are a delicacy made from deep-fried bull testicles. They are popular in many western states and are even served at some high-end restaurants.
World Testicle Cooking Championship
The Serbian town of Ozrem hosts the World Testicle Cooking Championship every year. Chefs from around the world come together to showcase their culinary skills by creating dishes made from animal testicles. While some may find this bizarre, it is a testament to the fact that no part of an animal goes to waste in many parts of the world.
Roswell UFO Festival
In 1947, the first UFO sighting was reported in Roswell, New Mexico. While the event may be shrouded in mystery and controversy, the town celebrates the sighting every year with a parade and conference featuring experts on extraterrestrial life.
Running of the Bulls
Since 1910, brave souls have been running through the streets of Pamplona, Spain, with bulls hot on their heels. While the event is certainly exciting, it is also dangerous, with over 15 people losing their lives since the first edition.
Guys with Horns Festival
The tradition of the “guys with horns” dates back to Roman times, when returning soldiers were given a pair of horns as a symbol of their wife’s infidelity. In Rocca Canterano, Italy, this tradition is kept alive with an annual festival where men don horns and let off some steam.
El Colacho Festival
In Burgos, Spain, the El Colacho festival sees men dressed as devils jumping over newborn babies laid on the road. Locals believe that this act will bring good health and fortune to the child.
Guinea Pig Festival
In Peru, guinea pigs are not just pets, but also a delicacy. The annual Guinea Pig Festival celebrates the furry rodent with a variety of dishes, including roasted guinea pig.
Monkey Buffet Festival
In Lopburi, Thailand, over 3,000 macaques are worshipped and respected. Every year, the Monkey Buffet Festival sees locals laying out a buffet of fruits and vegetables for their simian friends.
Naked Festival
The Naked Festival, also known as Hadaka Matsuri, is a winter tradition in Japan where participants brave the cold by walking naked through freezing temperatures and waters. It is believed to bring good luck and health.
Cheese Rolling Festival
In Gloucestershire, England, the Cheese Rolling Festival sees participants chasing a wheel of cheese down a hill. While the event may seem harmless, injuries are common, with participants tumbling down the steep slope in pursuit of the cheese.
Bonus: The Iron Phallus Festival
In Kawasaki, Japan, the Kanamara Matsuri, also known as the Iron Phallus Festival, celebrates the legend of a sharp-toothed devil hiding inside a woman’s vagina. The festival raises funds for HIV research and involves parading a large phallus through the streets.
From testicle delicacies to naked winter walks, the world is full of bizarre traditions that are both fascinating and entertaining. These customs remind us that despite our differences, we all share a common desire