Forget those over-crowded hotspots you see on every travel Instagram feed—Europe is home to some downright wild, weird, and wonderful festivals that many tourists never even hear about. From hurling cheese down a hill to fighting medieval-style fruit battles, these events pack far more excitement (and fewer selfie sticks) than your typical “must-see” attractions.
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1. Up Helly Aa – Lerwick, Shetland (Scotland)
Why It’s 100x More Fun
Imagine a massive Viking squad parading through the streets with flaming torches—then setting a full-scale replica longship on fire. This annual winter extravaganza pays homage to Shetland’s Nordic heritage, and the finale bonfire is pure spectacle.
What Tourists Expect
- Maybe a quaint Scottish winter fair?
- Bagpipes, haggis, and a polite crowd?
What Actually Happens
- Hundreds of “guizers” (costumed marchers) brandish torches in a disciplined procession.
- A Viking Jarl Squad leads the way in full gear.
- The ship goes up in flames, followed by epic all-night parties in local halls.
Pro Tip
Book accommodations early—Lerwick fills up fast. Don’t be shy about joining post-procession festivities; locals welcome spirited visitors with open arms.
2. Cheese-Rolling at Cooper’s Hill – Gloucestershire (England)
Why It’s 100x More Fun
A wheel of Double Gloucester cheese is rolled down a steep hill—and dozens of daredevils chase after it, literally risking life and limb. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and occasionally bruising, but nobody can deny the adrenaline rush.
What Tourists Expect
- A genteel English countryside fair?
- A taste-testing event, perhaps?
What Actually Happens
- People sprint downhill at breakneck speeds, often tumbling over each other.
- The first to the bottom snags the cheese (though it’s mostly about the glory).
- Onlookers cheer from the sidelines, marveling at the utter madness.
Pro Tip
Spectating is safer, but if you dare to run, brace yourself for possible scrapes and bruises. Arrive early for a decent viewing spot—this hillside packs out.
3. Haro Wine Festival – La Rioja (Spain)
Why It’s 100x More Fun
Ever dreamt of a huge grape-throwing water fight—except with wine? In Haro, locals celebrate Saint Peter’s Day by dousing each other in red wine. It’s sticky, messy, and downright unforgettable.
What Tourists Expect
- A refined wine-tasting event in the world-famous Rioja region.
- Calm vineyard tours, swirling glasses in elegant tasting rooms.
What Actually Happens
- Thousands gather, dressed in white, ready for the “Batalla del Vino.”
- Buckets, water guns, and hoses all filled with red wine—turning everyone purple.
- Festivities continue with dancing, music, and yes, more (drinking) wine.
Pro Tip
Wear white clothes you don’t mind sacrificing, and pack goggles to protect your eyes from the wine splash. Rinse off at designated stations afterward—or just embrace the purple hue.
4. Battle of the Oranges – Ivrea (Italy)
Why It’s 100x More Fun
Think of it as a friendly medieval fruit fight: locals split into teams and hurl oranges at each other throughout the streets of Ivrea. Legend has it the tradition commemorates a local uprising against tyranny.
What Tourists Expect
- Maybe a simple citrus fair with an orange-themed parade.
- A typical Italian street fest with fresh produce stalls?
What Actually Happens
- Intense “teams” in historical costumes ride horse-drawn carts, pelting each other with oranges.
- Flying citrus missiles fill the air—helmet-wearing participants scream war cries.
- Squishy orange pulp everywhere, painting the streets a vivid orange.
Pro Tip
Spectators can watch safely behind netted barriers. If you want to join, sign up with a team in advance—but prepare for bruises and lots of sticky juice!
5. Baby Jumping Festival – Castrillo de Murcia (Spain)
By Noe Serna – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Why It’s 100x More Fun
Yes, “baby jumping” is literal: an individual dressed as the devil leaps over rows of newborns to cleanse them of original sin. Bizarre? Absolutely. Fascinating? Without a doubt.
What Tourists Expect
- A quaint Spanish baptism ceremony or local folklore event.
- Something mild, maybe a parade around the church.
What Actually Happens
- A costumed “devil” bounds over mattresses lined with babies (whose parents watch, presumably with hearts in throats).
- Traditional bands, dancing, and celebratory feasting follow.
- It’s an old Catholic ritual melding with local folklore, wholly unique to this region.
Pro Tip
It might feel surreal, but locals take this centuries-old ceremony seriously. Observe respectfully—photos are fine, but keep the cultural sensitivity in mind.
6. Ivö Beer Floating Festival – Finland
Why It’s 100x More Fun
Known in Finnish as “Kaljakellunta,” this unsanctioned yet beloved event involves floating down a river on inflatable rafts—drinking beer and enjoying the summer sun. It’s the ultimate chill-out with thousands of floaters.
What Tourists Expect
- Finland? Beer festival? Maybe a standard city event with craft beer tents.
- Some quiet lake gatherings?
What Actually Happens
- Locals and visitors bring inflatable boats, rafts, and even makeshift floating contraptions.
- They spend the day drifting along the river, blasting music, sharing drinks, and dancing on water.
- It’s entirely free and arranged spontaneously—no official organizer, just communal good vibes.
Pro Tip
Join a group for safety and bring life jackets. Don’t litter—Finland’s nature is pristine and participants usually tidy up after themselves.
7. Witch Burning Festival (Čarodějnice) – Czech Republic
Why It’s 100x More Fun
Every April 30th, Czechs celebrate the end of winter by gathering around massive bonfires to “burn witches”—an effigy symbolizing the cold season’s departure. It’s like Halloween meets Beltane.
What Tourists Expect
- A historical re-enactment? Maybe gentle folk songs?
- Small, controlled fires or modest festivities?
What Actually Happens
- Communities build towering bonfires; some craft broomstick-riding “witch” dummies to toss into the flames.
- There’s plenty of beer, sausages grilled over open fires, and dancing under the spring moon.
- Kids and adults often wear witch hats or costumes, adding a playful vibe.
Pro Tip
Head to a Prague suburb or smaller towns for a more authentic experience. Bring warm clothes—April nights can be chilly, though the bonfires keep the party toasty.
8. Almabtrieb (Cattle Descent) – Austria
Why It’s 100x More Fun
Every autumn, farmers guide cows back down from Alpine pastures, adorning them with flowers, ribbons, and bells. Towns celebrate with music, beer, and folklore—like a barnyard Mardi Gras.
What Tourists Expect
- A simple pastoral scene with wandering cows.
- Maybe a yodel or two?
What Actually Happens
- Enthusiastic parades of bedecked cows trotting through villages.
- Lively brass bands, beer tents, and hearty food stalls.
- Locals don traditional dirndls or lederhosen, making it a festive cultural bonanza.
Pro Tip
Check tourism boards for exact dates—each region’s Almabtrieb can differ. Embrace the folksy vibe and enjoy local cheese or schnapps. The photo ops are fantastic.
9. The Water Jousting of Sète – Occitanie (France)
Why It’s 100x More Fun
In this historic French port town, teams on boats literally try to knock each other off platforms using lances—all while floating along the canals. Picture medieval jousting meets Venetian gondolas.
What Tourists Expect
- A calm southern French harbor with seafood restaurants.
- A mild regatta or sailing demonstration.
What Actually Happens
- Rival teams in crisp white uniforms stand on raised platforms at each boat’s stern.
- They charge at one another, aiming to knock the opponent into the water.
- Spectators line the canal cheering, often placing friendly bets on the outcome.
Pro Tip
Visit in August for the Saint Louis Festival, the biggest water-jousting showdown. Grab a waterfront seat early—it gets packed with enthusiastic fans.
10. Onion Market (Zibelemärit) – Bern (Switzerland)
Why It’s 100x More Fun
Every fourth Monday of November, Bern goes onion-crazy. Farmers bring intricate “onion braids,” onion tarts rule the streets, and confetti fights break out spontaneously.
What Tourists Expect
- Maybe a small farmers’ market with local produce.
- Some quirky onion stalls, that’s it.
What Actually Happens
- Stalls everywhere, selling onion-themed souvenirs, decorative braids, and onion-based dishes.
- Kids and adults pelt each other with confetti eggs—an unofficial tradition that keeps the atmosphere playful.
- The whole town smells like onions in the best possible way.
Pro Tip
Arrive early—locals often show up at dawn. Don’t wear fancy clothes; you’ll likely get showered in confetti. Try an onion pie (Zwiebelwähe)—it’s delicious!
11. Olney Pancake Race – Buckinghamshire (England)
Why It’s 100x More Fun
Dating back to the 15th century, competitors (often in aprons) run a 415-yard course flipping pancakes in a frying pan. It’s a quirky Shrove Tuesday tradition that’s oddly thrilling to watch.
What Tourists Expect
- A sleepy English village.
- Some quaint pancake breakfast fundraiser?
What Actually Happens
- Women (and sometimes men, in separate races) dash through the streets with frying pans, flipping pancakes to prove they haven’t dropped them.
- Local spectators cheer wildly, and the winner is crowned with pride—and a “kiss of peace” from the church official.
- The race even has a transatlantic counterpart in Liberal, Kansas.
Pro Tip
Plan around Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). Arrive early for the best viewing spots near the finish line, and enjoy post-race pancake treats from local stalls.
The Bottom Line
Why settle for crowded city squares or same-old tourist “must-dos” when Europe brims with delightfully oddball festivals that bring local traditions to life? From fiery Viking ships in Scotland to orange battles in Italy and baby-jumping in Spain, these 12 celebrations prove there’s far more to Europe than the mainstream headlines.
Pro Tip
Many of these festivals revolve around specific dates or seasons, so do a little scheduling homework before you go. Embrace the madness, join in the fun, and pack clothes that can handle wine stains, fruit pulp, or confetti. Because really—what’s a European adventure without a dash of delightful chaos? Enjoy!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.