From Street Parties to Parades: The Global Celebrations Where Anything (and Everything) Goes
For travelers seeking more than just museums and monuments, there's nothing quite like a unique festival or wacky tradition to truly immerse yourself in the pulse of a place. Around the world, there are celebrations that defy expectations – where tomatoes fly, mud becomes a dancefloor, and global cultures come to life in the wildest forms. With 35%* of global travelers wanting to experience a cultural event, specific to a country, region or culture while traveling, Tripeden.com is spotlighting some of the most offbeat and unforgettable festivities that go far beyond the average parade. Fully embrace the weird, the wild with these unforgettable destinations.
Buñol, Spain
Each August, the scenic town of Buñol in Spain’s Valencia region erupts into chaos, and tomato pulp, during La Tomatina, the world’s largest food fight. What started as a playful street scuffle in the 1940s is now a full-blown, ticketed event attracting tens of thousands of revelers eager to pelt each other with overripe tomatoes. The madness kicks off with a greasy pole climb, known as the palo jabón, and once someone successfully retrieves the ham at the top (yes, really), the tomato trucks roll in and the battle begins! Beyond the tomato frenzy, Buñol boasts charming cobbled and meandering streets, with the Old Town a must-visit, rocky nature trails, and the beautiful Turia River canyon nearby. Visitors can explore the town’s medieval castle, sip sangria while basking in the post-festival red hue or feast on tomatoes in their most natural form at a market food tour, including tapas and paella tasting.
Where to stay: This peaceful country house is the perfect contrast to the chaos of La Tomatina. Set among rolling hills just a short drive from the town center, La Traviata is a cozy, rustic and historic property with mountain views, a quaint enclosed terrace, and a garden that invites guests to unwind after the festivities. Located in close proximity to Bioparc Valencia and Turia Gardens for those travelers wanting to explore more of what the city has to offer.
Boryeong, South Korea
On South Korea’s west coast, Boryeong hosts the Boryeong Mud Festival, a summer bash where getting dirty isn’t a mishap, it’s the whole point. Originally introduced to promote the area’s mineral-rich mud, the festival has evolved into a raucous beach party attracting millions every July. Mud wrestling pits, inflatable slides, body painting, and even a mud marathon are on the agenda to mark the celebrations, and as night falls, DJs and fireworks keep the vibe going into the early hours of the morning. If traveling to experience a different side of the city’s culture, the Daecheon Zipline & Sky Bike, Seongsan Mountain and Muchangpo Beach provide scenic views, while offering a quiet place for travelers to take in their natural surroundings. Also known for its fresh seafood, don’t miss out on tasting some grilled clams, or the local dish of spicy jjigae, a traditional stew made with a variety of meats and fish, while in the city.
Where to stay: Located near Daecheon Beach, Wooyeon Flora Hotel is a sleek, modern and comfortable stay, situated a short walk from the festival zone but far enough to find peace when the party ends. With a rooftop terrace and never ending sea views, it’s the ideal spot to wash off the mud and kick back in comfort after a busy day of exploring Boryeong.
Killorglin, Ireland
Each August in County Kerry in southwest Ireland, Killorglin and its population of less than 5,000 people hosts one of the country’s oldest fairs, the Puck Fair. The main attraction? A wild goat, crowned King Puck, who presides over the festivities from a high platform in the town square. The origins of this event are wrapped in myth, some say the goat warned the locals of incoming attacks, but the fair today is a joyful blend of music, street performances and carnival rides. The event makes for the perfect entry point into Irish folklore and countryside charm, but don’t leave before visiting one of the many pubs located in this town for a pint and some cracking tunes. To further explore the surrounds of Killorglin, visitors can take a tour around the Ring of Kerry, witnessing breathtaking views of Skellig Michael and Torc Waterfall, a stroll along Dook’s Beach or a visit to Killarney National Park, are all not to be missed while exploring the area.
Where to stay: Set on the banks of Caragh Lake, Ard na Sidhe Country House Hotel is an intimate Victorian-style manor house located within acres of landscaped gardens leading directly to the lakeshore. Located just a short drive off the Ring of Kerry, and ideal for enjoying walking, fishing and golfing activities, this property is the perfect escape from the lively Puck Fair. Don’t miss out on Irish breakfasts, candlelit dinners in the hotel’s formal dining room and a table d'hôte menu offering international cuisine made from fresh local ingredients.
Sonkajärvi, Finland
If carrying a spouse through an obstacle course is your idea of a dream date, Sonkajärvi is the place to be. Each July, this Finnish town hosts the Wife Carrying World Championships, a hilarious and surprisingly athletic competition where men race while hauling their wives, or female companions, across a rugged track of sand, water, and hurdles. The winners will earn their partners weight in beer, not your average romantic gesture! Aside from the world’s most unusual date night, Sonkajärvi is a nature lover’s paradise in Northern Savonia, boasting over 200 sparkling lakes, rolling drumlin hills, and lush pine forests. Travelers can spend their days kayaking on Lake Kangaslampi, hiking scenic mountain trails, or fishing in tranquil waters. To experience more of the area's culture, stop by Sonkajärvi Local Heritage Museum or Jyrkkäkoski Ironworks to explore the region’s history, from ancient life to modern traditions. And in typical Finnish fashion, end the day with a trip to the saunas, an ideal way to soothe those post-race muscles.
Where to stay: Charming log cabins offer a true Finnish experience. Tucked away in nature, Keskikosken Lomamökit provides direct access to the beach, with private saunas, an intimate lounge area with a cozy fireplace, and outdoor spaces to enjoy the midnight sun or northern lights (depending on the season). The perfect location to rest and relax after a tiring day of sporting activities.
Nejapa, El Salvador
Tucked in the San Salvador region, the district of Nejapa is a small quiet town that comes to life in August, where locals take to the streets for Las Bolas de Fuego (the Balls of Fire Festival), a dramatic and centuries-old tradition where brave participants hurl flaming rags at each other in front of gathered spectators. The event commemorates a 1658 volcanic eruption and is both symbolic and thrilling to witness for locals and travelers alike. In addition to the fame of the festival, the San Salvador region is known for its surrounding volcanic landscape. Parque Nacional El Boquerón offers panoramic views of the area at its peak while Tamanique Waterfalls will give travelers a place to cool off in tranquil turquoise waters after a day of fire throwing. Don’t miss the lively markets, selling local dishes and crafts from pupusas, grilled flatbreads, to handmade crafts including bags, clothes and wall decorations. From immense natural beauty to an unmissable annual celebration, give into the burning desires of a trip to El Salvador’s Nejapa.
Where to stay: Located in nearby San Salvador, Hilton San Salvador offers a touch of luxury surrounded by palm trees in the city’s financial district. Offering a modern, spacious and peaceful retreat after a fiery evening in Nejapa. For those still feeling fiery, the property even boasts BBQ facilities, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace and within walking distance to numerous attractions including Plaza Argentina and the Parque Nacional El Boqueron. An ideal base for the traveler looking for both relaxation and exploration.
*Research was commissioned by Tripeden.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2025. The sample comprised 32,106 respondents across 32 markets surveyed in January 2025. USA N=2,000, Canada N=800, Spain N=800, Italy N=800, France N=1800, UK N=1800, Germany N=1800, Netherlands N=800, Denmark N=500, Sweden N=500, Croatia N=501, Switzerland N=800, Belgium N=800, Ireland N=504, Austria N=500, Portugal N=800, Mexico N=1,800, Colombia N=800, Brazil N=1,800, Argentina N=800, India N=1,800, China N=800, Hong Kong N=500, Thailand N=800, Singapore N=800, Taiwan N=500, Vietnam N=800, South Korea N=800, Japan N=1,800, UAE N=500, Australia N=1,800, New Zealand N=500.