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Cultures and traditions make our planet colorful, unique, and different. Probably, what is considered a norm in another country might feel out of place somewhere else. That is the reason it is an important thing: to learn or appreciate different traditions, as they are part of world history.
Traditions are important in life because it expresses the values and beliefs of a certain community. These are the things that get passed on from generation to generation and shape thinkers and ways of life. Each tradition has a story behind it, whether it is a celebration, a special event, or a spiritual practice. Understanding these traditions will help us connect with people from different cultural backgrounds and learn more about the world.
Here are interesting traditions from around the world, from funny to scary, from joyful to solemn, but all incredibly fascinating and meaningful in their own right.
Top Unique Cultures and Traditions Around the World
The world is a kaleidoscope of cultures, each with its own unique traditions that reflect the history, values, and creativity of its people. Here are top interesting traditions around the world:
Wife Carrying Championship, Finland
Photo by klimkin on Pixabay
The Wife Carrying Championship happens in Sonkajärvi, Finland. It is a fun and special event. Every year, couples from different countries join this activity.
The competition tests strength, teamwork, and balance. In the race, husbands carry their wives on their shoulders. They must go through a hard obstacle course with water, sand, and hurdles. The wife must weigh at least 49 kilograms (108 pounds). If she is lighter, she carries extra weight, like a backpack.
This tradition started as a funny way to celebrate teamwork. Now, it is an event with people from Finland, nearby countries, and even places like the USA and Japan. People watching cheer as couples try, fall, and laugh together. The winners get a funny prize: the wife’s weight in beer. This happy tradition is a fun way to celebrate love and working together.
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
Sonkajärvi is about 75 km (47 miles) from Kuopio Airport. Pre-book Kuopio Airport Taxi services for a hassle-free journey.
Eating Jesus, Catholics
Photo by Thays Orrico on Unsplash
Holy Communion is an important tradition in the Catholic Church in Italy. During this ceremony, Catholics eat a small piece of bread. They believe this bread becomes the body of Jesus Christ through a special process called "transubstantiation." This bread, called the "host," reminds them of Jesus' sacrifice for all people. Holy Communion is a key part of the Mass and has deep spiritual meaning.
Holy Communion is not only about personal faith. It also brings church members closer together. Sharing the host shows unity, love, and a promise to follow Jesus' teachings. Catholics believe that eating the body of Christ helps them feel closer to Him and gives them spiritual strength.
This tradition happens in Catholic churches around the world. People pray, sing hymns, and take time to reflect during the ceremony. The quiet and sacred feeling shows how important Holy Communion is to the Catholic faith.
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, offers easy access to the Vatican City, located approximately 30 km (19 miles) away. Fiumicino Airport Transfer services are available for a smooth journey.
Offering Vodka, Russia
Photo by Charlotte Harrison on Unsplash
In Russia, offering vodka is an old tradition. When you meet someone for the first time, it is common to give them a shot of vodka and say "Na zdorovye!" which means "To your health!" This small act shows friendship and kindness. The tradition is a big part of Russian culture, and people share it with friends, family, and even strangers.
Vodka is not just a drink in Russia; it is a symbol of welcoming and togetherness. People often make toasts, wishing each other good health and happiness. Russians believe that drinking together helps people feel closer and makes it easier to become friends.
While drinking a lot of vodka may seem strange to some, in Russia, it is a way to celebrate life and enjoy time with others. This tradition has lasted for many years, from small villages to big cities, and is still a part of social events today.
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow is a perfect starting point, located just 30 km (19 miles) from the city center, where you can witness this Russian culture. You can pre-book Sheremetyevo Airport Transfer services for a hassle-free trip.
Saluting a Magpie, England
Photo by Caroline Attwood on Unsplash
Magpies are special birds in England. While many cultures think animals mean different things, the magpie holds a unique place in English traditions. There is an old belief that seeing just one magpie brings bad luck. In order to ward off this bad luck, people in England have a tradition of saluting the magpie. This might be a small gesture, such as tipping the hat or touching the heart, to protect them from misfortune.
This tradition indicates how much animals are part of English culture. It's not only the magpie; owls and black cats have an associated luck with themselves. But again, the story of bad luck associated with magpie is more famous.
This superstition has come down through generations, with even people saluting magpies to this date. So don't be surprised when you see anyone talking to or saluting a magpie; that is just for keeping the bad luck away. You can join them, too: "How is Mr. Magpie?
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
Begin your journey to explore this tradition at London Heathrow Airport, located 25 km (16 miles) from central London. You can use Heathrow Airport Transfer services.
Lucia, Sweden
Photo by Kristijan Arsov on Unsplash
The 13th of December is associated with the most important peculiar tradition in Sweden: the feast of Saint Lucia. It means the darkest night of the year, when every winter night was the longest. Lucia's Night not only marks the beginning of Christmas, but also serves as a light during all the cold, dark days. No one knows exactly how this tradition came about, but it seems to have taken root over the years.
These celebrations are characterised by children and adults carrying the star and candles in a procession, led by a girl dressed in white with a crown of candles on her head. It is quiet and beautiful to see people carrying candles and stars and singing Christmas carols in the church early in the morning.
Lucia is one of the most popular Christmas traditions in the world. For Swedes, Lucia isn't just a celebration; it's a way of reaching out to their cultural heritage and connecting with one another. The music, candles and silence are a reminder of hope and light in the darkest time of the year.
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
Stockholm Arlanda Airport, 40 km (25 miles) from central Stockholm, is the nearest airport. Book Arlanda Airport Taxi in advance to explore Lucia celebrations in the city.
Cinnamon Powder Shower, Various Countries in Europe
In some European countries, the quarter-life mark falls into a really funny tradition for singles: turning 25 is considered that very special moment when this happens, at least in some parts of Germany and Denmark, where single people are "punished" by being sprinkled with cinnamon.
On their birthday, friends and family gather to cover the person in cinnamon powder. It's meant to put pressure on them to find a partner, but it's a funny celebration also.
In some places, this is repeated at 30, but instead of cinnamon, it is pepper. It's even hotter! Though weird sounding, the tradition is light and funny. It's a teasing way to get singles thinking about settling down.
Be it cinnamon or pepper, the bottom line goes this way: If someone is still single at these ages, it’s a fun reminder to find someone special. This tradition has been around for a long time and is a fun part of life for many young Europeans.
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
If you're curious about this amusing tradition, you can use Copenhagen Airport Taxi in Denmark or Frankfurt Airport Taxi in Germany.
Blackened Bride, Scotland
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pixabay
In Scotland, there is a strange pre-wedding tradition called the "Blackened Bride." Before the wedding, the bride-to-be is covered in a messy mix of spoiled milk, eggs, mud, and other things. The goal is to turn her clothes and skin black with this messy mixture. It may seem uncomfortable, but it has a special meaning in Scottish culture.
The tradition shows that the bride is ready to face the challenges of marriage. If she can handle the mess and teasing, she will be strong enough for the tough times in marriage. It’s a fun way to show that marriage can be difficult, but the bride will be ready for it.
Even though it might seem strange to some, the Blackened Bride tradition brings people together in celebration. It helps the bride feel ready for marriage. After the event, she gets cleaned up and is ready for the wedding, with a sense of humor and a stronger bond with her future spouse.
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
Edinburgh Airport, only 13 km (8 miles) from the city center, is the closest airport to experience this tradition. Use Edinburgh Airport Transfer services to take part in this unique celebration.
Jumping Over Seven Waves, Brazil
Photo by Anita S. on Pixabay
In Brazil, New Year's Eve is celebrated with a special and lively tradition on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana, and other coastal cities. At midnight, thousands of people, dressed in white, gather by the ocean to jump over seven waves. This tradition is fun but also has deep cultural and spiritual meaning.
As people jump over the seven waves, they make a wish for each wave. The act of jumping is believed to bring good luck and help their wishes come true. It also symbolizes overcoming challenges and starting fresh in the new year. The more waves you jump, the more blessings and luck you might receive.
This tradition is often linked to Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea in Afro-Brazilian religions. Jumping over the waves honors her and asks for her protection and blessings for the year ahead. It’s a beautiful mix of celebration, hope, and respect for tradition.
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport is the closest major airport, located about 20 km (12 miles) from Copacabana beach. You can use Galeão Airport Transfer services to easily get to the beach and join in the celebration.
Cheese Rolling, UK
Dave Farrance, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Every spring, Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, England, hosts the exciting Cheese Rolling Festival. This strange and daring event has been around for over 200 years and attracts people from all over the world.
In the festival, a nine-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese is rolled down a steep hill. Competitors race after it, tumbling and sliding as they try to catch it. While the cheese is too fast to grab, the first person to cross the finish line at the bottom wins the cheese.
The tradition’s origins are unclear. Some think it began as part of an old pagan ritual, while others believe it celebrated grazing rights for farmers. Today, it’s a fun and thrilling event that draws participants from countries like the USA, New Zealand, and Nepal.
The race is dangerous because the hill is steep and uneven, and falls and injuries are common. Still, many brave participants return each year for the challenge, the excitement, and the chance to win the prized cheese.
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
If you’d like to experience this exciting tradition, Bristol Airport is the nearest major airport, located about 72 km (45 miles) from Cooper’s Hill. You can use Bristol Airport Transfer services to reach the venue.
Farmer's Honest Shops, Switzerland
Photo by Timothy Newman on Unsplash
High in the peaceful Swiss Alps, a special tradition continues with Farmer's Honest Shops in Switzerland. These small, self-service shops, run by local farmers, sell fresh, homemade products like cheese, milk, bread, honey, and butter. What makes them unique is that there are no shopkeepers—these shops work entirely on trust.
Shoppers pick what they want, calculate the total cost, and leave the money in a basket or box. Some shops even accept digital payments. This system shows the strong culture of trust and respect in Swiss communities.
The farmers are busy with their fields and animals, so this system is practical for them. It also shows their belief in people’s honesty. These shops aren’t just about selling goods—they’re a simple and meaningful way to connect buyers and sellers through trust.
Visitors to the Swiss Alps are often surprised and delighted by this tradition. It’s not just a unique experience but also a reminder that trust and kindness can thrive, even in today’s busy world.
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
Zurich Airport is located about 85 km (53 miles) from popular alpine regions, you can use Zurich Airport Transfer services to reach the picturesque villages.
Feast for Monkeys, Thailand
Ajamalne, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In Lopburi, every year on the last Sunday in November, Thailand holds one of those peculiar events, an annual celebration called Monkey Buffet Festival, hence allowing local macaques to drive in good fortune and prosperity into the community. It is one of the ways of saying thank you to the monkeys and a way to entice tourists.
Locals prepare a giant meal with two tons of fruits and vegetables, including bananas, watermelons, and pineapples. The beginning of the festival is marked by dancers who are dressed as monkeys, making the whole event quite fun. Then, the monkeys are allowed to eat the food, and it makes quite an amusing show while eating.
This tradition has indicated the close relationship between people and animals in Thai culture. It also attracts many visitors to Lopburi to participate in the joyous festival and watch the monkeys.
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok is the closest major airport, located about 150 km (93 miles) from Lopburi. You can use Don Mueang Airport Taxi services to reach Lopburi.
Throwing the Babies, India
Photo by Rebecca Scholz on Pixabay
In the Indian state of Karnataka, there is a tradition that has been practiced for almost 500 years called "Throwing the Babies." Throwing the babies from a height of about 15 meters above to a sea of people holding a huge cloth or sheet to catch them is done in Sri Santeswar Temple. This ritual is believed to bring good luck and a prosperous life to the child.
They take their babies to the temple, vow something, and throw their baby in the air. The cloth catches the baby safely, and the vow is considered complete for the family. Many parents think this helps to bring happiness and health to their child in the future.
This tradition, as old as time, has still raised safety concerns. However, families still celebrate this occasion in their own cultural and spiritual way. It has also been attended by tourists and photographers to witness such an unusual ritual.
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
Hubli Airport is the closest major airport, located about 80 km (50 miles) from the Sri Santeswar Temple. You can use Hubli Airport Transfer services to reach the temple.
Flag-Throwing, Italy
Jess & Peter from Geneva, Switzerland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In Tuscany, Italy, there is a fun tradition called Flag-throwing (or Sbandieratori), which has become a big cultural event. It started in the Middle Ages when families and guilds used flags to show pride and honor. People believed the flags were sacred and should never touch the ground. Over time, it became a performance where skilled people toss and spin colorful flags in the air with great skill.
Today, flag-throwing is part of the Volterra Medieval Festival in August. During the festival, groups of flag-throwers, dressed in medieval costumes, perform amazing tricks with flags. The shows are also filled with marching bands, parades, and reenactments, making it a very lively celebration.
This tradition celebrates Italy’s history and pride, and the festival brings together locals and visitors to enjoy Italian culture.
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
Pisa Airport is the nearest major airport, located about 70 km (43 miles) from Volterra. You can use Pisa Airport Transfer services to reach the city.
Beating Husbands, India
Javed Sultan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon in India, there is a fun and colorful tradition during the Lathmar Holi festival. This event celebrates the divine couple Radha and Krishna from Hindu mythology. During the festival, women take the role of "aggressors" with large wooden sticks called dandas, while men defend themselves with shields.
The tradition comes from a playful myth where Radha, frustrated with Krishna, would strike him with a stick, and he would protect himself. In the spirit of this story, the women chase and playfully hit the men with sticks, while the men block the strikes with shields. The event is full of laughter, music, and excitement, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Although it may sound rough, the tradition is meant to be fun and lighthearted. It celebrates themes of love, respect, and gender roles, with the festival being a lively display of color and happiness. People from all over the world visit to enjoy this joyful tradition.
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi is the closest major airport. Located about 175 km (108 miles) from Barsana and Nandgaon, you can use Delhi Airport Transfer services to reach these charming towns.
Dancing with the Dead, Madagascar
Smarteeee, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Every seven years, a very unusual ritual is performed in Madagascar known as Famadihana. In this ritual, the bodies of dead ancestors are taken out from their graves and wrapped anew in fresh, vibrant cloth. It is an honor and a celebration for the lives of the dead. While that may be bizarre for some, to the people of Madagascar, it is a time to rejoice and one of the most important occasions.
Famadihana is not at all about sadness; it's a joyous celebration. The people of the families and communities take to dancing in traditional music while carrying the bodies on their heads. The idea behind the dancing is to offer a smooth, peaceful passage to the afterlife of the spirits of the dead. Indeed, this shows respect for life and the respect that connects the living and the dead with the past.
They believe that spirits of the dead ones are staying with the family for protection and to guide them. Wrapping up the bodies is one way the Malagasy show their ancestors love.
📍 Want to see this tradition up close?
Ivato Airport in Antananarivo is the closest major airport. Located about 14 km (9 miles) from the capital, you can use Ivato Airport Transfer services to reach the regions where Famadihana is celebrated.
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