Bizarre Cultural Traditions From Around The World That Still Exist Today

Every culture has its unique customs, but some traditions from around the world can seem truly bizarre to outsiders. While they may appear strange at first glance, these practices are deeply rooted in history, belief systems, and community values. From festivals that involve fire-walking to marriage rituals involving pretend crying, these traditions reflect the incredible diversity of human culture. Here are some of the most unusual yet fascinating customs that people still follow across the globe today.

Baby Jumping Festival in Spain

Known as El Colacho, this tradition takes place in the Spanish village of Castrillo de Murcia. During the festival, men dressed as devils leap over rows of babies who lie on mattresses in the street. The event, which dates back to the 17th century, is believed to cleanse the infants of original sin and protect them from evil spirits. While it might raise eyebrows for safety concerns, the community takes great care to ensure no harm comes to the babies.

Finger Cutting Ritual of the Dani Tribe

Among Indonesia’s Dani tribe in Papua, a mourning ritual involves women cutting off parts of their fingers when a close family member dies. This painful practice is meant to symbolise the deep emotional pain caused by the loss. Though the tradition is now discouraged by the government and slowly disappearing, some older members still bear the physical marks of their grief.

Carrying Wives in Finland

In the Finnish town of Sonkajärvi, an annual competition known as the Wife-Carrying Championship draws couples from around the world. Men race through an obstacle course while carrying their wives (or someone else's wife, as per tradition) on their backs. The winner receives their wife’s weight in beer. Though it sounds quirky, the event is taken quite seriously and attracts global attention each year.

Thailand’s Monkey Buffet Festival

Held in Lopburi, Thailand, this festival is a feast not for humans—but for monkeys. Thousands of kilograms of fruits, vegetables, and sweets are laid out for the region’s monkey population. The event is said to bring good fortune to locals and honours the animals that are believed to bring prosperity. It’s also a major tourist attraction, though visitors must be cautious of cheeky monkeys grabbing more than just food.

Crying Brides of China

In certain parts of China’s Sichuan province, brides are expected to cry for one hour each day for a month before their wedding. Known as the “Crying Marriage” tradition, it is believed to bring good luck and demonstrate the bride’s emotional commitment. Eventually, mothers and grandmothers often join in, turning it into a collective display of love and sorrow. Though it may sound melancholic, the event is filled with emotion, beauty, and symbolism.

La Tomatina: Spain’s Tomato Fight

One of the messiest traditions in the world, La Tomatina is an annual food fight festival held in Buñol, Spain. Participants throw overripe tomatoes at each other in a joyful, hour-long frenzy. Originally started as a local scuffle, it has become a globally recognised event that attracts tourists who relish the chance to be pelted in tomato pulp. Though seemingly pointless, it’s celebrated purely for the fun and community spirit it brings.

Living with the Dead in Indonesia

In the Toraja region of Sulawesi, Indonesia, people practise a tradition called Ma'nene, where they exhume the bodies of deceased relatives, clean them, and dress them in fresh clothes. Far from being macabre, this ritual is seen as a way to honour ancestors and maintain spiritual connections. The dead are even walked around the village in a show of respect. This unusual practice reflects a vastly different relationship with death compared to Western cultures.

Cheese Rolling in England

In Gloucestershire, England, locals and daredevils gather every year to chase a giant round of cheese down a steep hill. The event often ends with bumps, bruises, and even broken bones, but the winner earns not just the cheese, but bragging rights. Though it may seem absurd, it’s a centuries-old tradition that shows the humorous side of British folk customs.

While some of these traditions may seem strange or even shocking, they are powerful expressions of cultural identity. What seems bizarre to one person may be deeply meaningful to another. Exploring these customs reminds us that human culture is wonderfully diverse—and that even the strangest traditions have roots in emotion, history, and belonging.