14 Quirky and Unbelievable European Traditions That Shock Americans
Traveling through Europe can be like stepping into another world, especially when you stumble upon some of its more unusual traditions. From cheese rolling competitions in England to the night of the radishes in Spain, this list of 14 quirky and unbelievable European traditions will give you a taste of the continent’s unique cultural flair. Whether amusing or baffling, these traditions are sure to make any trip to Europe even more memorable.
Tomatina Festival, Spain
In Buñol, Spain, thousands gather each year for La Tomatina, a festival where participants throw over 100 metric tons of overripe tomatoes at each other purely for fun. This messy, tomato-filled battle takes place on the last Wednesday of August.
Wife Carrying Championship, Finland
In Sonkajärvi, Finland, the Wife Carrying Championship involves men racing while carrying their wives or girlfriends through an obstacle course. The prize? The wife’s weight in beer. Based on this other countries also organize wife carrying races for example China (see photo above).
Cheese Rolling, England
Every spring in Gloucestershire, England, competitors chase a 9-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down the steep Cooper’s Hill. It’s a dangerous race, with the cheese reaching speeds up to 70 mph, and the first person downhill wins the cheese.
Blackening of the Bride, Scotland
In some parts of Scotland, there’s a pre-wedding tradition known as the “blackening,” where friends and family cover the bride (and sometimes the groom) in filthy substances like mud, soot, and spoiled food. The tradition is thought to ward off evil spirits.
Caga Tió, Catalonia
A Christmas tradition in Catalonia involves the Caga Tió, or “pooping log.” Decorated with a face and a blanket, children feed the log during December and then beat it with sticks on Christmas Eve to make it “poop” out presents.
Busójárás, Hungary
The Busójárás is a spring welcoming festival in the town of Mohács, featuring locals donning traditional masks and costumes to scare away winter. It culminates in a bonfire where a coffin symbolizing winter is burned.
Ivan Kupala Night, Ukraine
Ivan Kupala Night is celebrated with various rituals including jumping over fires, floating wreaths on rivers, and searching for a magical fern flower. This Slavic celebration of ancient pagan origins marks the summer solstice.
Calcio Storico, Italy
A historic football game played in Florence, Italy, Calcio Storico dates back to the 16th century. It combines soccer, rugby, and wrestling, and is known for its violent and aggressive nature.
Up Helly Aa, Scotland
Up Helly Aa is a fire festival in Shetland, celebrating the Viking heritage of the islands. It features a torch-lit procession and the burning of a Viking longship, occurring on the last Tuesday of January.
Krampusnacht, Austria and Germany
Krampusnacht features Krampus, a horned, anthropomorphic figure who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved. This is in contrast to Saint Nicholas who rewards the well-behaved with gifts.
Epiphany Day, Russia
In Russia, Epiphany Day, celebrated on January 19th, marks the baptism of Jesus with ceremonies featuring the blessing of the waters. One of the most arduous traditions associated with this holiday is ice swimming, where participants, often after cutting crosses into frozen lakes and rivers, plunge into the icy waters as a form of purification and to commemorate the holy event.
Bull Race, Spain
The Bull Run, or “Encierro,” in Pamplona, Spain, is one of the most famous events of the San Fermín Festival held annually from July 6 to 14. During the event, participants run in front of a small group of bulls that have been let loose on a set route through the town’s streets, leading to the bullring. The run typically lasts a few minutes and is known for its thrilling and dangerous nature, attracting thousands of participants and spectators from around the world.
Orange Throwing, Italy
During the Ivrea Orange Festival, participants reenact a historical battle of the townspeople against tyrannical rulers with a spirited orange-throwing fight. Teams on foot battle those on carts, pelting each other with oranges in a vibrant and messy display that fills the streets of Ivrea. This tradition is rooted in local history and symbolizes the community’s resistance and freedom.
Phallus Festival, Greece
In the town of Tyrnavos, the Phallus Festival is a centuries-old celebration where large phallic symbols are paraded around, and phallic-shaped bread, pasta, and sweets are sold. This festival is part of the Dionysian celebrations welcoming spring, featuring traditional music, dancing, and wine-drinking, focusing on fertility and the arrival of new life.
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Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.