Unusual Cultural Festivals in Europe and the UK: Unique Celebrations Worth Experiencing

From cheese rolling in England to Viking fire festivals in Scotland, these festivals bring local traditions to life in fascinating ways. If you love exploring unique cultural events, here are some of the most unusual festivals in Europe and the UK.

1. Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling Festival (UK)

Where: Gloucestershire, England
When: May

One of the most bizarre and hilarious traditions in the UK, the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling Festival involves participants chasing a 9-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down a dangerously steep hill. The first person to reach the bottom wins the cheese, but with competitors tumbling and rolling down the hill, it’s more about the thrill than the prize.

Why Go?

• Witness Britain’s most chaotic race.
• Experience a centuries-old tradition.
• Enjoy the lively, carnival-like atmosphere.

2. Up Helly Aa (Scotland) – A Viking Fire Festival

Where: Lerwick, Shetland Islands
When: Last Tuesday in January

This epic Viking fire festival pays tribute to Scotland’s Norse heritage. Hundreds of torch-wielding "Vikings" dressed in warrior costumes parade through the streets, carrying a full-size Viking longship. The climax of the event is the dramatic burning of the ship, followed by all-night celebrations with music and dancing.

Why Go?

• Experience Scotland’s most fiery festival.
• Immerse yourself in authentic Viking traditions.
• Witness an incredible torchlit procession and ship burning ceremony.

3. La Tomatina (Spain) – The World’s Biggest Food Fight

Where: Buñol, Spain
When: Last Wednesday of August

While La Tomatina is not unknown, it remains one of Europe’s wildest festivals. Thousands of participants gather in the streets of Buñol to throw over 100 tons of ripe tomatoes at each other in a massive food fight. What began as a spontaneous brawl in 1945 is now a globally recognized event, attracting adventurous travelers.

Why Go?

• Experience the world’s largest tomato fight.
• Enjoy a messy, fun, and energetic festival.
• Discover the beautiful Valencia region.

4. The Baby Jumping Festival (Spain)

Where: Castrillo de Murcia, Spain
When: June

Dating back to the 17th century, El Colacho (The Baby Jumping Festival) is a strange yet fascinating Spanish tradition. Men dressed as "El Colacho" (the Devil) leap over rows of newborn babies lying on mattresses in the street. This unusual ritual is believed to cleanse babies of original sin and bring good luck.

Why Go?

• Witness one of Spain’s most unusual religious traditions.
• Experience a mix of folklore, history, and faith.
• Enjoy the medieval festival atmosphere surrounding the event.

5. Air Guitar World Championships (Finland)

Where: Oulu, Finland
When: August

This Finnish festival proves that you don’t need a real instrument to be a rock star. The Air Guitar World Championships bring together contestants from around the world, performing imaginary guitar solos with dramatic stage moves and rockstar energy. The event promotes world peace with the motto "Make Air, Not War."

Why Go?

• A fun and energetic event.
• See some of the world’s best air guitarists in action.
• Experience the quirky, fun-loving side of Finnish culture.

6. The Battle of the Oranges (Italy)

Where: Ivrea, Italy
When: February

Italy’s Battle of the Oranges is a giant food fight, similar to La Tomatina, but with a more historical twist. The event re-enacts a medieval revolt, where rebels threw oranges at noble guards to protest their rule. Today, teams dress in costumes and hurl oranges at each other in organized street battles.

Why Go?

• Experience Italy’s most famous fruit fight.
• See colorful medieval reenactments.
• Enjoy the lively carnival atmosphere.