Top 20 Most Bizarre Festivals Around the Globe

This Hindu festival is celebrated in Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of Southeast Asia, where devotees reenact a 17th-century legend involving the god Lord Murugan. Participants often pierce their bodies with hooks or needles attached to strings, and carry colorful kavadis (balloons filled with water) on their shoulders as an act of devotion. According to estimates, over 300,000 devotees participate in Thaipusam worldwide each year, mostly in the city of Batu Caves, Malaysia.

This Mexican celebration honors the deceased loved ones by building elaborate altars and feasting on traditional foods like pan de muerto (sweet bread). Many people also engage in creative activities such as making papier-mâché skeletons or creating sugar skull decorations to honor their ancestors. The festivities take place from mid-October to November 1st, with around 2 million participants each year.

This ancient Hindu festival is celebrated by throwing colored powders and liquids at friends and family to mark the arrival of spring in India and other parts of South Asia. Participants often engage in joyful dancing and singing while covering themselves from head to toe in vibrant colors. According to estimates, over 1 billion people worldwide celebrate Holi each year.

This Viking-themed festival takes place on the last Tuesday of January in the Shetland Islands, Scotland, where participants dress up as Vikings and march through the streets carrying torches and singing songs. The festivities culminate in a massive torchlight procession ending at the old Norse church where a ceremonial "burning of the gallows" takes place. Around 30,000 people attend Up Helly Aa each year.

This vibrant Brazilian festival is celebrated before Lent by musicians, dancers, and performers dressed in elaborate costumes to represent different cities and towns in Brazil. Participants often engage in lively dancing and music performances, while giant puppets, floats, and sculptures are showcased throughout the celebrations. Over 10 million people attend Carnaval each year.

This traditional Thai festival celebrates the release of negative emotions and past mistakes by creating elaborate lanterns made from banana leaves and floating them on rivers and streams. Participants often also make offerings to Buddha and other deities, and perform rituals to bring good fortune and happiness into their lives. According to estimates, over 2 million people participate in Loi Krathong each year.

This iconic New Orleans festival is celebrated before Lent by parades, music performances, and extravagant costumes. Participants often engage in masquerade parties and other revelry, while giant float displays showcase elaborate puppet shows, floats, and sculptures. Over 1 million people attend Mardi Gras each year.

This ancient Chinese tradition honors the deceased ancestors by visiting cemeteries to clean their graves and make offerings to spirits. Participants often bring symbolic items such as fruit, dumplings, and wine to nourish the spirits of loved ones who have passed away. According to estimates, over 40 million people participate in Ching Ming Festival each year.

This Nevada-based festival celebrates art, music, and self-expression by creating temporary cities and sculptures that are destroyed at the end of each week-long celebration. Participants often dress up in elaborate costumes and engage in interactive performances and workshops throughout the event. Over 70,000 people attend Burning Man each year.

This ancient Persian New Year festival is celebrated across Central Asia and the Middle East by participating in symbolic cleaning rituals to purify homes and themselves for renewal. Participants often also exchange gifts, wear traditional clothing, and enjoy traditional foods like sabzeh (wheat sprouts) and ash-e anar (barberry stew). According to estimates, over 50 million people celebrate Nowruz each year.

This Portuguese festival is celebrated in the town of Viana do Castelo by reenacting the legend of Saint John the Baptist with water fights, bonfires, and wild dancing. Participants often engage in elaborate processions and theatrical performances to honor the saint's patronage over fishermen. According to estimates, around 100,000 people attend Festa de São João each year.

This bizarre Spanish festival takes place in Buñol by throwing thousands of pounds of tomatoes at participants in a giant food fight. The event is believed to have originated from an ancient ritual where grapes were crushed underfoot during harvest time. Around 20,000 people participate in La Tomatina each year.

This Hindu festival of lights is celebrated across India and other parts of South Asia by decorating homes with diyas (earthen lamps) and exchanging gifts. Participants often also engage in fireworks displays and enjoy traditional sweets like gulab jamun and jalebi. According to estimates, over 1 billion people celebrate Diwali each year.

This Buddhist tradition honors the spirits of one's ancestors by lighting lanterns and performing rituals at family graves. Participants often also exchange gifts, wear traditional clothing, and enjoy traditional foods like sweet rice cakes. According to estimates, around 10 million people participate in Obon Festival each year.

This ancient Hindu festival celebrates the worship of Lord Shiva with elaborate processions, musical performances, and ritual dances. Participants often dress up in sacred garb and engage in elaborate ceremonies at temples dedicated to the god. According to estimates, over 100 million people celebrate this festival each year.

This ancient Egyptian celebration honors the gods of wisdom and magic by reciting spells, incantations, and singing hymns to Thoth, the deity associated with writing and knowledge. Participants often wear sacred robes and engage in ritual dances to invoke divine powers. According to estimates, around 500,000 people participate in this festival each year.

This traditional Chinese festival is celebrated by clans who reenact ancient rituals to honor their ancestors and deities associated with agriculture. Participants often wear traditional clothing, engage in symbolic cleansing ceremonies, and exchange gifts made from natural materials like wood and silk. According to estimates, around 50,000 people participate in this festival each year.

This Jordanian festival honors the ancient Bedouin traditions by celebrating the harvest season with a giant procession of decorated horses and colorful costumes. Participants often engage in folk music performances, traditional dances, and storytelling ceremonies to honor their heritage. Around 5,000 people attend Yareb each year.

This Bhutanese celebration honors the ancient Buddhist tradition by reenacting a dramatic performance of an epic poem from the Khejopa mythology. Participants often dress up in elaborate costumes and engage in ritual dances to honor the spirits associated with creation and destruction. Around 1,000 people participate in this festival each year.

This iconic British music event celebrates self-expression by showcasing various performances ranging from classical music to experimental electronics. Participants often engage in workshops, art installations, and interactive performances throughout the nine-day celebration. Over 220,000 people attend Glastonbury Festival each year.