Oct 02, 2025

Cities with unique traditions

Aanya Mehta

Buñol, Spain-La Tomatina

The town famous for the world’s biggest tomato fight every August, thousands gather to hurl tomatoes at each others.

Source: wikimedia commons

Castrillo de Murcia, Spain- Baby Jumping Festival

Men dressed as devils literally leap over babies laid on mattresses to cleanse them of evil spirits.

Source: wikimedia commons

Ivrea, Italy- Battle of Oranges

Locals engage in a huge orange-throwing fight to re-enact a medieval rebellion.

Source: wikimedia commons

Lopburi, Thailand- Monkey Buffet Festival

An entire feast is laid out for monkeys with fruits, desserts, and drinks, as locals celebrate good luck.

Source: wikimedia commons

Nagasaki, Japan- Kunchi Festival

Dragon dances, giant floats, and theatrical performances celebrate the city’s history and Dutch Chinese influences.

Source: wikimedia commons

Takanakuy, Peru- Fist Fighting Festival

On Christmas Day, people settle grudges by fist fighting in a fair, community supervised way.

Source: wikimedia commons

Zurich, Switzerland- Burning of the Böögg

A snowman effigy stuffed with explosives is burned to predict how long summer will last.

Source: wikimedia commons

Cheese Rolling at Cooper's Hill

Brave participants chase a rolling wheel of cheese down a steep hill, tumbling, falling, and laughing along the way. The first one to catch it wins.

Source: wikimedia commons

Countries that don’t use traffic lights