Top 10 Bizarre Parties Around the World

1. La Tomatina - Buñol, Spain

Source: @latomatinaoficial

La Tomatina is one of the most iconic yet bizarre parties in the world, attracting thousands of visitors to the small town of Buñol in Spain. This massive tomato fight is both chaotic and fun, offering party travellers a chance to let loose in a way you probably never imagined.

What happens: About 20,000 people gather to throw overripe tomatoes at each other, turning the streets into a slippery, tomato-splattered battlefield.
Why it’s bizarre: It started as a spontaneous food fight in 1945 and has since grown into an organised annual event, complete with goggles, water cannons, and an hour-long barrage of tomatoes.
Top tip: Wear old clothes you don’t mind ruining! La Tomatina is as messy as it sounds, and washing off afterward is part of the fun.

Looking to continue the party in Spain? Check out the Party Hostels in Valencia to keep the vibe going!

2. Burning Man - Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA

Burning Man is more than just a festival—it’s a temporary city built on the principles of self-expression, art, and community. It’s held every August in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert and attracts nearly 80,000 people.

What to expect: Participants (or ‘Burners’) spend a week in the desert, creating art installations, attending wild parties, and living out an experience unlike any other.
Why it’s bizarre: With clothing being optional and eccentric art everywhere, Burning Man is a place where societal norms dissolve. The festival ends with the burning of a massive wooden effigy.
Top tip: Prepare for extreme weather—Burning Man can be scorching hot by day and freezing at night, so pack accordingly.

3. Cheese Rolling Festival - Gloucester, England

Source: @the.independent

This isn’t your typical race. The Cheese Rolling Festival in Gloucester, England, sees participants hurl themselves down a steep hill in pursuit of a rolling wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. Injuries are common, but that doesn’t deter the hundreds of daredevils who show up every year.

What happens: A wheel of cheese is sent flying down a hill, and people race after it, tumbling and crashing into each other on the steep incline. The first person to cross the finish line wins the cheese!
Why it’s bizarre: It’s a mixture of adrenaline and pure absurdity, with racers often leaving the hill bruised and battered but grinning from ear to ear.
Top tip: Watch from the sidelines unless you’re ready for some serious physical risk!

4. Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival) - Japan

Held in the depths of Japan’s winter, Hadaka Matsuri is one of the country’s most famous (and chilly) traditions. Thousands of men gather dressed only in loincloths, battling for the chance to secure a “shingi,” a sacred wooden stick said to bring good fortune.

What happens: Participants splash each other with water, wrestle, and fight for the shingi while enduring freezing temperatures.
Why it’s bizarre: The combination of near-naked men, freezing temperatures, and a religious contest makes this one of Japan’s strangest yet most culturally significant festivals.
Top tip: Grab a prime viewing spot early! The action is intense, and the sake flows freely, keeping spirits high despite the cold.

5. Songkran – Thailand

Source: @songkrangram

Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year festival, is a massive water fight that takes over the entire country every April. Originally a holiday to cleanse oneself and wash away bad luck, Songkran has evolved into one of the most fun and chaotic street festivals in the world, attracting tourists and locals alike to join in the celebration.

What happens: Cities across Thailand, especially hotspots like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, become water battle zones. Armed with water guns, hoses, and buckets, people drench each other in a friendly, refreshing fight. Streets are closed to traffic as everyone comes out to join the fun. Temples also hold more traditional celebrations, where people make merit by pouring water on Buddha statues and receiving blessings from monks.
Why it’s bizarre: An entire country turning into a giant water fight is pretty unique! But it’s not just the water—there’s also a spiritual element to Songkran, where people clean their homes and pour water on their elders’ hands as a sign of respect.
Top tip: Keep your valuables in waterproof bags—Songkran spares no one from a drenching!

Once you've had your fill of water fights, keep the party going by staying at one of the best Party Hostels in Bangkok , where the celebrations never truly stop.

6. Kanamara Matsuri (Festival of the Steel Phallus) - Kawasaki, Japan

In spring, the streets of Kawasaki, Japan, are taken over by giant phallic-shaped statues as part of Kanamara Matsuri, a festival celebrating fertility, safe sex, and sexual health. The event has become a major tourist attraction, with visitors flocking to see the colourful, bold displays and join in the parades.

What happens: The centrepiece of the festival is the parade of the giant steel phallus, along with smaller phallic icons and candies shaped like genitalia sold at stalls.
Why it’s bizarre: The open celebration of sexual symbols and the parade of giant phallic statues makes this one of the most eye-catching and peculiar festivals around.
Top tip: Don’t forget to grab some quirky souvenirs—candy and toys shaped like the phallic icons are popular keepsakes!

If you’re looking for more excitement after the festival, check out the nightlife at Party Hostels in Tokyo and immerse yourself in Japan's bustling party scene.

7. Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos) – Mexico

Día de Los Muertos is a colourful and deeply symbolic Mexican festival that celebrates the lives of deceased loved ones. Held annually on November 1st and 2nd, it’s a joyful and reverent occasion, unlike any other celebration of death worldwide.

What happens: Families create elaborate altars (ofrendas) decorated with marigolds, photos, candles, and offerings like food and drink to honour the spirits of the dead. In towns like Oaxaca and Mexico City, the streets are filled with parades, people in skeleton makeup, and vibrant cultural performances.
Why it’s bizarre: While many cultures view death somberly, Mexicans celebrate it with vibrant decorations, festive processions, and a party-like atmosphere where families eat, drink, and dance to remember their loved ones.
Top tip: Don’t miss the parades in Mexico City and Oaxaca, where massive skeletons and brightly coloured costumes create a truly surreal experience.

After experiencing this mystical festival, explore Mexico’s nightlife by staying at some of the best Party Hostels in Mexico City to extend the celebration.

8. Boryeong Mud Festival – South Korea

Source: @boryeongmudfestival

Located on South Korea’s west coast, the Boryeong Mud Festival has become one of the world’s unique and fun summer events. What started as a local promotion for Boryeong's mineral-rich mud has exploded into a two-week festival where tourists and locals alike come together for mud-filled adventures.

What happens: Participants dive into giant mud pits, slide down mud slides, and even wrestle in the mud. There’s also mud body painting, mud baths, and beachside parties. It’s a festival for the young at heart, full of joy, laughter, and a whole lot of dirt.
Why it’s bizarre: The concept of a festival where you get as muddy as possible might seem odd, but it’s all part of the fun! Plus, the mineral properties of the mud are great for your skin, making it both a beauty treatment and a wild party.
Top tip: Don’t forget your waterproof camera—capturing the chaotic, muddy fun is a must!

Looking for more South Korean adventures? Stay at one of the top Party Hostels in Seoul after cleaning off from all that mud and continue your epic journey.

9. Emma Crawford Coffin Races - Manitou Springs, Colorado, USA

Source: emmacrawfordfestival.com

Held every October in the spooky town of Manitou Springs, Colorado, the Emma Crawford Coffin Races are as strange as they sound. Teams of four people race coffin-shaped vehicles with a costumed "Emma" riding inside, honouring a 19th-century local woman whose coffin was famously displaced by a storm.

What happens: Teams deck out their coffins and race them down the street while spectators cheer them on. Participants also wear costumes that match the theme of their "Emma."
Why it’s bizarre: Racing coffins to celebrate a local legend is certainly not your typical way of celebrating a person’s memory, but that’s exactly what makes this festival so unique and beloved in the town.
Top tip: Show up early to snag a good viewing spot, and consider dressing up in Halloween costumes to join the fun!

10. Holi Festival - India

Known globally as the Festival of Colors, Holi is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in India and Nepal to welcome the arrival of spring. Participants throw brightly coloured powders into the air, turning entire cities into a rainbow of colours.

What happens: Friends, family, and strangers gather in the streets and throw coloured powders and water at each other while dancing to traditional music. It’s a joyous occasion that brings people of all backgrounds together.
Why it’s bizarre: Although Holi has religious roots, the massive powder-throwing party aspect can feel delightfully chaotic to outsiders. The sheer scale and energy of the celebration, along with its vibrant hues, make it one of the most visually striking festivals in the world.
Top tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind staining, as the powders can be tough to wash off! Also, moisturising your skin beforehand helps the powder slide off more easily afterward.

Looking to keep the energy high after Holi? Head to one of the famous Party Hostels in Goa to experience a beach party like no other.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these bizarre parties offer an unforgettable glimpse into the eccentricities of cultures around the world. Whether you’re throwing tomatoes in Spain, racing after cheese in England, or getting splashed with coloured powder during Holi in India, each event is a unique blend of tradition, chaos, and fun. For party travellers and backpackers looking for more than just a night out, these festivals provide the perfect mix of adventure and celebration. So, if you're up for something out of the ordinary, these wild and wacky events should definitely be on your travel bucket list! Embrace the weirdness, and dive into some of the most memorable parties you'll ever experience.

The Most Bizarre Parties Around the World That You Must Experience