10 Bizarre Events In The World

Would you Adam n’ Eve it! Often berated as the root of the world’s problems today, it’s about time the first two humans in The Garden of Eden got some credit. If it were not for Eve succumbing to the fruits of the forbidden tree, man would not have free will. This would most certainly be a travesty, as no matter what state the world would be in, it would be without such gems as The Braunlage Naked Sled Race, The Moose Dropping Festival, and the Frozen Dead Guy’s Festival. God bless you Eve.
Below is a list of 10 truly bizarre events and festivals, with the premise of each just screaming BONKERS, and yet, it most definitely feels like the makings of a Bucket List:

1. The Hong Kong Sevens, China

Trust the Chinese to take an already cracking game and make special in so many ways. Originally Rugby Sevens came about as an alternative to eleven a side to provide a more open and high scoring game. But what makes the Hong Kong Sevens all the more enjoyable is not simply the quality of rugby on the pitch, but the quite inane antics off it. Yards of ale are consumed by fans dressed as quite literally anything, but sometimes not for long as there is a history of streaking. For fans of both rugby and drinking alike, this is one event that NEEDs to be on your itinerary.

2. Naked Sled Race, Germany

The fourth annual Naked Sled Race in Braunlage, Germany celebrated it’s fourth year last month, and the appeal sure as hell is reflected in the attendance stats, with an estimated 25,000 flocking to see high speed cold nipples. There is certainly plenty of talent – as two new World Champions were crowned in both the men and women’s events, whilst two of the contestants were Norwegian models. No one will be judged for clearing their calendar for February and booking one way tickets to Braunlage.

3. Ivrea Orange Throwing Festival, Italy

If ever you have wondered how, in fact you would know when you have been ‘Tangoed’, then wonder no more. Ivrea, Italy hosts The Battle of the Oranges in February, in which a mass food fight ensues as a celebration of the fall of a tyrant in the 12th Century, whilst also providing a handy way to use up the country’s surplus fruit. So if you’re idea of fun is to paint the town red, painting a city orange should be right up your street.

4. The Warrior Dash, USA/UK

Originating in America back in 2009, the Warrior Dash is huffing and puffing it’s way over to the UK this summer and is a combination of Takeshi’s Castle and a 5km track event. Having said that, it is slightly more dangerous than a paying a visit to count Takeshi, and there is no athletics track in sight, as obstacles include fire, mud, and barbed wire. Not for the faint hearted, but a must attend event if you’re one  for a gruelling challenge.

5. Office Chair Race, Germany

Surely this is every office worker’s dream? Pile all of the swivel chairs out the door, find yourself a steep starting point, and race your little heart out.  The Office Chair Racing World Championships take place on May 6th in Laichingen, and the competitors are as nutty as you would expect. Some people pimp out their chairs, whilst others opt to rely on pedal power alone. High speeds are reached, so it is advisable to wear a crash helmet!

6. Tedfest, Ireland

DRINK! FECK! *RSE! GIRLS! That’s right, hold on to your Father Jack’s, it’s Ireland’s one and only Tedfest, where fans of Father Ted flock to have a mass p*ss up. Craggy Island, or the Aran Islands become swarmed with drunken Ted fans in all manner of fancy dress at the end of February, and if you count yourself as fan then book your accommodation early as there is only room for 250. Well, it is an island after all.

7. The Frozen Dead Guy’s Festival, USA

Celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary, The Frozen Dead Guy’s Festival is literally a celebration of a dead Norwegian man, who’s grandson now keeps in a fridge in America and allows 15,000 nutters to come and have their photo taken with him. That’s just the tip of the iceburg though, as revellers can compete in coffin racing, the Polar Plunge, Frozen Turkey Bowling, Brain Freeze contest and Ice Break Dancing. Surreal? Yes. Insensitive? Perhaps. Dead fun? You bet.

8. 

International Moustache Film Festival , USA

In at number nine we have a brand new entry: The inaugral International Moustache Film Festival! Hosted in Portland, Maine, the festival will debut on 30th March, and is sure set to be a hair-raiser. There are numerous moustache festivals around the world, and even a Beard and Moustache World Championship. But the combination of facial hair, and a Cannes style film festival is that bit quirkier. It willl be a precursor to the Stache Pag, and will award films that are under eight minutes long, based on the quality of the leading man (or lady’s) moustache.

9. Moose Dropping Festival, Alaska

Strapped for cash? Hitch hike to Alaska, stand still, and wait for Moose crap to be dropped from a hot air balloon on to your head, and you could find yourself £1000 better off for the privilige. Every July in Talkeetna this occurs, and yet nobody seems to be certain as to why, but you’ll have a unique gift to bring back for your mum with your winnings, in the shape of hand crafted moose dropping jewellery. How nice.

10. Maslenitsa Festival, Russia

Essentially a no-holds-barred street brawl, Maslenitsa welcomes all the male members of the town to beat seven bells out of one another, all in the name of celebrating Lent. Maybe Jesus is a boxing fan, in which case he sees, and it is good. There are few rules except it is not considered cool to punch anyone already down, and it is preferable, but not mandatory that boxing gloves are worn. WWJD?

Post contributed by Jessica from Chillisauce.co.uk, an events company specialise in organising stag weekends and creative stag do ideas. Visit blog.chillisauce.co.uk for more bizarre festivals from over the world.

Featured Image credit: Termin8er