Every country has its own customs and traditions that reflect its culture and history. Some of these traditions may seem normal to the people who practice them, but to outsiders, they can be surprising, confusing, or even a little shocking. That’s the beauty of cultural diversity—what’s strange in one part of the world might be completely normal in another.
In this article, we’re going to explore seven of the strangest traditions from around the world that are still practiced today. These customs may make you raise your eyebrows, but they also show just how unique and colorful human culture can be.
1. Baby Jumping Festival – Spain
In a small Spanish village called Castrillo de Murcia, there’s a tradition where men dressed as devils jump over rows of babies. This event, known as El Colacho, has been held since the 1600s and is part of a festival celebrating the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi.
The babies are placed on mattresses in the street, and the “devils” leap over them to cleanse them of original sin and protect them from evil spirits. While it may sound dangerous, it’s carefully organized, and no baby has ever been hurt. It’s a tradition that blends religion, superstition, and celebration in a very unusual way.
2. Hanging Coffins – Philippines and China
In parts of the Philippines and China, particularly among the Igorot tribe and the ethnic groups of southern China, you can still find hanging coffins attached to the sides of cliffs. This tradition goes back hundreds of years and is believed to bring the dead closer to the heavens.
The idea is to keep the bodies away from animals and floods while also honoring the dead in a sacred and peaceful place. Though the practice is becoming rare today, some families continue the tradition as a sign of respect for their ancestors and cultural roots.
3. Monkey Buffet Festival – Thailand
Every year in the town of Lopburi, Thailand, locals prepare a giant buffet of fruits, vegetables, and sweets—not for people, but for monkeys. This festival began in the 1980s to promote tourism and now attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Monkeys from the area roam freely during the event, climbing statues, eating all they want, and sometimes even playing with the tourists. It may seem strange to feed wild animals such luxurious meals, but in Lopburi, monkeys are seen as lucky and are respected as part of the town’s history.
4. Finger Cutting Grief Ritual – Indonesia
In the Dani tribe of Papua, Indonesia, there is a painful tradition for expressing grief. When a family member dies, some women in the tribe cut off a part of their finger as a sign of mourning. It’s a deeply emotional and symbolic act that represents the physical pain of losing a loved one.
Though this practice has been banned by the government and is rarely seen today, a few older women in the tribe still carry the marks of this ritual. It’s a reminder of the intense cultural expressions of love, loss, and respect for the dead.
5. Cheese Rolling – United Kingdom
One of the most bizarre sports in the world takes place every year in Gloucestershire, England. Participants race down a steep hill chasing a wheel of cheese. The cheese can reach speeds up to 70 miles per hour, and runners often fall, tumble, and crash on their way down.
The event sounds funny, and it often is, but it’s also dangerous. People get injured almost every year. Despite that, the tradition is still alive and growing, with people from all over the world joining in just for the thrill (and a chance to win the cheese!).
6. Night of the Radishes – Mexico
In Oaxaca, Mexico, every December 23rd is known as the Night of the Radishes. On this night, local artists carve large radishes into detailed figures and scenes, often telling stories from Mexican culture, religion, and daily life.
The radishes used are specially grown for the event and can grow to a surprisingly large size. Thousands of people come to admire the creative designs. While carving vegetables might seem odd to some, this tradition brings the community together and showcases a unique kind of folk art.
7. Carrying Wives – Finland
In Finland, there’s a competition where men race while carrying their wives (or partners) on their backs. The event is called the Wife Carrying World Championship, and it’s held every year in the town of Sonkajärvi.
Couples race through an obstacle course that includes water and hurdles, and the winner gets their partner’s weight in beer. It started as a joke based on old legends, but it’s now a serious and competitive tradition—with a fun and quirky twist.