As humans, we have always been drawn to celebrations and festivals. They provide an opportunity to come together as a community, to let loose and have fun, and to honor traditions that have been passed down for generations. While most of us are familiar with popular festivals like Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, there are plenty of unique and quirky festivals right here in the UK and Ireland.
From cheese rolling competitions to fire festivals, these events showcase the rich history and culture of these countries in a fun and unconventional way. In this article, we will take a closer look at six weird and wonderful festivals in Britain and Ireland, exploring their origins, traditions, and why they have become such beloved annual events. So grab your wellies and join us on this journey through some of the most unusual and intriguing festivals these islands have to offer.
1. Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake (Gloucestershire, England)
Let’s start off with a festival that can only be described as “cheesy” – quite literally. The Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake is a yearly event that takes place at Cooper’s Hill, near Gloucester in England. The main event consists of a large round of Double Gloucester cheese being rolled down the hill, while participants chase after it in an attempt to catch it. The first person to reach the bottom of the hill wins the cheese – and a few bumps and bruises along the way.
Origins and History
The origins of the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have started back in the 1800s. Some say that it was originally a pagan ritual to welcome the arrival of spring, while others believe it was a way for farmers to secure grazing rights for their cattle on the land surrounding Cooper’s Hill.
Over the years, the event has gained popularity and it has become a beloved tradition in the local community. It has also attracted participants from all over the world, with some even coming dressed up in hilarious costumes to add to the fun and frivolity of the festival.
The Main Event
The main event of the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake is not for the faint-hearted. The steep hill, which has a gradient of 1:2, is about 200 yards long and can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. As you can imagine, chasing after a rolling cheese down this hill is no easy feat.
The cheese itself is handmade by a local cheesemaker and weighs around 8 pounds. The winner gets to keep the cheese, but they also receive a small cash prize. However, even those who don’t manage to catch the cheese are not left empty-handed. Ambulances and first aiders are on standby to attend to any injuries, which are not uncommon during the festival.
Other Activities
Aside from the main cheese-rolling event, the festival also includes other activities such as a parade, live music, and traditional games like tug-of-war and the throwing of sticks. There are also food stalls offering local delicacies and plenty of drinks to keep the festivities going.
For those who want to experience more of the local culture, there is also a Wake ceremony that takes place the day before the cheese-rolling event. This includes a procession through the town, a service at the local church, and a lot of drinking and merriment.
Overall, the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake is a unique and entertaining festival that has stood the test of time and continues to attract visitors from far and wide.
2. Up Helly Aa (Shetland Islands, Scotland)
Traveling north to the Shetland Islands in Scotland, we come across another festival that is both weird and wonderful – Up Helly Aa. This annual event takes place on the last Tuesday of January and is a celebration of the islands’ Viking heritage.
Origins and History
The first recorded Up Helly Aa festival was held in 1881, but it is believed to have been inspired by the ancient Norse festival of Yule. The festival was initially celebrated by young men, who would dress up as Vikings and march through the streets carrying torches. However, over the years, the festival has evolved into a much larger and more elaborate event involving the entire community.
The Main Event
The highlight of Up Helly Aa is the burning of a Viking longship. This is known as the “guizing” – a term that comes from the traditional practice of dressing up in costumes to disguise one’s identity. The main procession, called the “galley procession,” starts at nightfall and involves hundreds of participants dressed in full Viking attire, carrying flaming torches and parading through the streets.
The procession leads to a designated location where the replica longship is set ablaze. This marks the end of the festival and is accompanied by fireworks, music, and plenty of cheers and celebrations.
Other Activities
In addition to the galley procession, there are also other events that take place during Up Helly Aa. These include a series of “squads” performing humorous skits and songs known as “billies.” There is also a formal dinner and dance, where participants can enjoy traditional food and drink while being entertained by live music.
Overall, Up Helly Aa is a unique and immersive experience that allows visitors to step back in time and celebrate the fascinating Viking history of the Shetland Islands.
3. La Tomatina (Buñol, Spain)
Now let’s take a trip to Spain for a festival that is both weird and wonderful, but also quite messy – La Tomatina. This annual event takes place in the small town of Buñol, near Valencia, and involves throwing tomatoes at each other for an hour.
Origins and History
The origins of La Tomatina are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have started in the mid-1940s when a group of young people got into a fight during a parade and began throwing tomatoes from a nearby market stall at each other. The following year, they did the same thing on purpose and a tradition was born.
Over the years, the festival has been banned several times due to its chaotic nature and the wastage of food. However, it has gained popularity and is now a major tourist attraction, with thousands of participants from all over the world joining in on the fun.
The Main Event
The main event of La Tomatina takes place on the last Wednesday of August. Participants gather in the town square, where a greased pole with a ham on top is erected. The objective is to climb the pole and retrieve the ham, which marks the start of the festival.
Once the ham is retrieved, trucks loaded with ripe tomatoes make their way through the streets, and the tomato-throwing begins. For the next hour, the streets are filled with flying tomatoes, creating a sea of red and making for some unforgettable photo opportunities.
Clean-up and Aftermath
After the hour is up, fire trucks hose down the streets and participants make their way to the nearby river to wash off the tomato pulp. Some even opt to go swimming in the river to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
While La Tomatina may seem like a strange and chaotic festival, it’s actually quite well organized and has become an important event for the local community, bringing in much-needed revenue and promoting tourism in the area.
4. International Hair Freezing Contest (Whitehorse, Canada)
Moving on to something a little less messy, we come across the International Hair Freezing Contest in Whitehorse, Canada. This bizarre festival takes place in Takhini Hot Springs, where participants compete to see who can create the most unique and creative frozen hairstyle.
Origins and History
The International Hair Freezing Contest started back in 2011 as a way to celebrate the natural hot springs in Takhini and to bring in more visitors during the colder months. It quickly gained popularity and has become an annual event, drawing participants from all over the world.
How it Works
The rules of the contest are simple – dip your head underwater in the hot springs, let your hair freeze naturally, and then sculpt it into a creative and unique hairstyle. Participants have 10 minutes to style their hair before judges come around to inspect and score their creations.
Tips and Tricks
Creating a winning hairstyle for the International Hair Freezing Contest requires some skill and creativity. Some tips and tricks include wetting your hair beforehand, using hairspray or gel to help with the freezing process, and adding props like sunglasses or hats to enhance your hairstyle.
In addition, choosing the right day is crucial. The colder the temperature, the better the chances of creating a winning hairstyle that will stay frozen for longer. The water temperature also plays a role, as colder water will freeze hair faster.
Overall, this unique festival is a fun and lighthearted way to embrace the cold winter weather and showcase some serious hairstyling skills.
5. Burning the Clocks (Brighton, England)
Burning the Clocks is a festival that takes place on the shortest day of the year, December 21st, in the seaside town of Brighton, England. This event, which combines elements of fire and parade, celebrates the passing of time and the coming of the new year.
Origins and History
The first Burning the Clocks festival was held in 1993, inspired by a Cornish tradition called “Darkness Into Light.” The festival was created as a way to bring communities together and to give people the opportunity to let go of their troubles from the past year and look forward to the future.
The Main Event
The festival starts with a lantern parade, where participants carry handmade paper lanterns through the streets. These lanterns represent the passing of time and the burning of past memories. The procession makes its way to the beach, where a large bonfire awaits.
Once at the beach, the lanterns are tossed into the bonfire, symbolizing the burning of the old year and the start of a new one. This is followed by a spectacular fireworks display and live music to celebrate the new beginning.
Community Participation
Burning the Clocks is not just about the main event, but also about bringing the community together. In the weeks leading up to the festival, workshops are held where participants can create their own lanterns and costumes for the parade. This allows people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved and feel a sense of belonging.
In addition, the festival also raises funds for local charities and organizations, making it not only a fun and unique event but also a way to give back to the community.
6. Puck Fair (Killorglin, Ireland)
Last but certainly not least, we have Puck Fair – a three-day festival that takes place every August in the town of Killorglin in County Kerry, Ireland. This festival, which has been around for over 400 years, celebrates the crowning of a wild goat as King Puck.
Origins and History
The origins of Puck Fair are rooted in ancient Celtic mythology. Legend has it that when the Queen of the Fairies, Queen Áine, was being chased by a hunter, she transformed herself into a wild goat and hid amongst a herd of goats. The hunters were unable to tell which one was Queen Áine, so they captured them all. To honor this legend, a wild goat is crowned as King Puck during the festival.
The Main Event
The main event of Puck Fair is the crowning of King Puck on the first day of the festival. A wild goat is brought down from the mountain, placed on a high platform, and adorned with a crown. He then reigns over the town for the next three days, while people come to pay homage and participate in the celebrations.
On the final day, the goat is released back into the wild, symbolizing the return of the natural order of things. However, this does not mark the end of the festivities. There are also parades, live music, and plenty of food and drink to enjoy throughout the three days.
Other Activities
In addition to the main event, there are also other activities that take place during Puck Fair. These include traditional Irish music and dance performances, as well as events like sheep racing, horse shows, and even a dog show.
Overall, Puck Fair is a unique and lively celebration of Irish culture and tradition, and a great way to experience the charm and hospitality of a small Irish town.
Conclusion: Celebrating Diversity and Tradition
From chasing after a rolling cheese to throwing tomatoes at each other, these festivals may seem strange and unconventional to some, but they represent much more than just bizarre events. They are a celebration of diverse cultures, traditions, and communities, and a reminder that there is beauty and joy to be found in the most unexpected places.
So the next time you’re planning a trip, why not add one of these weird and wonderful festivals to your itinerary? Not only will you have a great story to tell, but you will also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich history and customs of these unique destinations.
