(That Will Make You Wonder How They Even Started)
Public holidays are usually a time for relaxation, celebration, and spending time with loved ones. But around the world, some holidays take a turn for the eccentric. From massive food fights to ritualistic combat, here are 11 of the most unusual public holidays that will leave you scratching your head—and maybe even booking a plane ticket for the next celebration!
1. La Tomatina (Spain)
Every year on the last Wednesday of August, the small town of Buñol in Spain transforms into a giant tomato soup. Thousands of people gather to pelt each other with overripe tomatoes, resulting in a juicy, slippery, and colorful mess. Just remember to bring your goggles and a sense of humor!
2. Ivrea Orange Battle (Italy)
Why stop at tomatoes when you can escalate to oranges? During the Carnival of Ivrea in February, locals reenact a historical battle by hurling oranges at one another. It’s like dodgeball, but with citrus. And yes, it’s as sticky and chaotic as it sounds.
3. Kanamara Matsuri (Japan)
Kawasaki’s “Festival of the Steel Phallus” in April is exactly what it sounds like. Parades featuring large phallic symbols celebrate fertility and the Shinto belief in the power of creation. It’s both a serious religious event and a quirky spectacle that draws tourists from around the world.
4. Redhead Day (Netherlands)
Taking place in the Dutch city of Breda in September, Redhead Day celebrates people with natural red hair. What started as a small photoshoot has turned into a festival with thousands of redheads gathering for picnics, workshops, and lots of ginger camaraderie. It’s a festival that proves gingers do have souls—loads of them!
5. Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake (England)
Held on the Spring Bank Holiday, this event in Gloucestershire involves chasing a rolling wheel of cheese down a steep hill. Participants often end up tumbling head over heels, but the winner gets to keep the cheese—and bragging rights for surviving the chaos.
6. Holi (India and Nepal)
Holi, the Festival of Colors, is celebrated in March by throwing vibrant colored powders and water at each other. It marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It’s like a rainbow exploded and everyone decided to dance in it.
7. Songkran (Thailand)
Mid-April in Thailand means Songkran, the Thai New Year festival where the entire country engages in massive water fights. Armed with buckets, water guns, and hoses, people drench each other to wash away bad luck and sins. It’s the world’s largest and wettest street party.
8. Day of Silence (Nyepi, Bali, Indonesia)
On Nyepi, the entire island of Bali goes silent. No work, no travel, no entertainment—just fasting, meditation, and self-reflection. It’s the ultimate detox for the soul, provided you can handle the eerie quiet.
9. Boryeong Mud Festival (South Korea)
If you’ve ever wanted to wrestle in mud, slide in mud, or just cover yourself in mud, Boryeong in July is your destination. Originally a marketing event for mud cosmetics, it has turned into a beloved festival where everyone can get down and dirty.
10. Goat Tossing Festival (Spain)
In Manganeses de la Polvorosa, there was once a tradition of throwing a goat from a church tower and catching it in a blanket below. Thankfully, the practice has been banned, but the tale remains a curious part of local folklore. These days, the goat gets a reprieve, but the story still gets tossed around.
11. National No Pants Day (Various Countries)
And finally, our odd 11th entry: National No Pants Day. Celebrated in May, this holiday encourages people to go about their daily lives sans pants. What started as a prank by a university group has become an international day of unexpected breeziness. Just make sure you’re wearing clean underwear and a confident smile!
These holidays showcase the wonderfully weird ways people celebrate life, culture, and history. They remind us that sometimes, the best way to honor tradition is to have a bit of fun—whether it’s with food fights, cheese chases, or even a pantless commute. So next time you’re planning a vacation, consider timing it with one of these unique festivities. Who knows? You might find yourself in the middle of a tomato war or chasing a wheel of cheese down a hill. Happy holidays!
