10 Crazy Festivals in Europe

The best festivals in Europe
Ahh Europe… so calm, cultured and elegant. Think again! Europe is full of peculiar festivals and traditions that keep us fully entertained. The crazier the better! Get your Viking gear ready and get ready for the fireworks, as these are our 10 Crazy Festivals in Europe.

1. La Pourcailhade (Pig Festival), France
Do you think you like pigs? You haven’t seen anything yet. This town in France goes crazy with them! On the second Sunday of August, everyone dresses up as a pig with contests such as who can act as the most realistic pig at different stages of life.

2. King’s Day, The Netherlands

The Dutch love a good party and King’s Day is when the whole country stops to celebrate the King’s birthday. The streets are full of people drinking beer, singing and having a good time. The festivities begin early in the evening of the 26th (King’s Night) with people partying for 24 hours… Soak up this lively atmosphere but remember to wear the nation’s favorite colour; orange.

3. Hammer Festival (Festa de São João), Porto, Portugal
This crazy festival happens every year in Porto on the eve of San Juan (June 23). It’s a big street party with a twist; people run with hammers. If the hammerheads don’t get you as excited as the locals, there’s music, dancing, food, and fireworks all night long.

4. La Tomatina, Spain

You like tomatoes? You better do it if you plan to go to La Tomatina in Buñol, near Valencia in Spain. Truckloads of tomatoes are used to launch each other in this huge tomato fight. There is absolutely no way to escape the tomatoes if you go, so be prepared to get dirty!

5. Carnival of Venice, Italy

The city of Venice comes alive during Carnival, with everyone decked out in intricate masks and traditional costumes. There are also masked balls and elegant evening dining in this mysterious and romantic city. It is exciting, full of surprises and you will feel transported back in time. Carnival lasts about two weeks and ends with the beginning of Lent.

6. Baby Jumping Festival (El Colacho) Spain
This bizarre festival sees men dressed as the devil jumping on newborn babies lying on a mattress in the street… bizarre.

7. Bastille Day, France

This national holiday on July 14 is celebrated throughout France, but it is especially good in the capital, Paris. The festival marks the beginning of the French Revolution more than 200 years ago. There is music and merriment the night before, and on the same day the largest military parade takes place on the Champs Elysees.

8. Viking Festival, Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
Every second weekend in June, the town of Hafnarfjörður in Iceland is transformed into the time of the Middle Ages. The festivities last 5 days, with a market and various activities such as shooting and throwing axes and spears are taught.

9. World Wife Carrying Championships – Sonkajärvi, Finland
This is not as simple as it seems… not only do you have to lead your wife in a relay race, but you also have to face various obstacles, such as water and fences to climb. It’s a physical challenge that’s a lot of fun and is sure to spark arguments between couples!

10. Duke’s Day, Luxembourg
Luxembourg may be small, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to celebrate in style. Día del Duque is celebrated on June 23, and the celebrations begin on the night of the 22. There are free outdoor concerts, fireworks, DJs, and parades throughout the city the next day.