Extreme Festivals: From Cheese Rolling to Baby Jumping
From exhilarating cheese rolling races to daring baby jumping ceremonies, there are countless extreme festivals around the world that will leave you in awe. These festivals not only offer an unforgettable experience, but also provide insight into different cultures and traditions. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most extreme festivals that range from bizarre to heart-stopping. Get ready to add these festivals to your bucket list as we embark on an adventure to explore the world of extreme celebrations!
The Cheese Rolling Festival
Off the coast of England, in the quaint village of Brockworth, lies the annual Cheese Rolling Festival. This peculiar event, also known as the Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling, has attracted thrill-seekers and curious travelers from all over the world. The festival involves chasing a wheel of cheese down a steep hill, with competitors risking life and limb to reach the finish line first.
The Origins of the Festival
The Cheese Rolling Festival has been a tradition in England for centuries, with its origins dating back to the 1800s. It is believed that the festival started as a pagan ritual to celebrate the return of spring, and the rolling of the cheese symbolizes the rolling away of the winter. The cheese wheel itself is traditionally made from the milk of the village farms, adding a unique touch to the event.
The Rules of the Race
The festival is not for the faint-hearted as the cheese wheel can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. The competitors, also known as “cheese rollers”, must chase the wheel down the steep hill while avoiding tumbling and getting injured. The first person to reach the bottom of the hill wins the cheese wheel as their prize.
Baby Jumping Festival
One of the more bizarre festivals on the list, the Baby Jumping Festival takes place in the Spanish village of Castillo de Murcia. This festival, also known as El Colacho, is held to celebrate the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi and involves men dressed as the devil leaping over infants.
The Significance of the Festival
The Baby Jumping Festival is believed to have originated in the 1620s and is based on a myth that the devil can cleanse the babies of their original sin. This tradition has been passed down through generations and is meant to protect the infants from illness and evil spirits.
How it Works
On the day of the festival, local babies are placed on a mattress in the village square, and men dressed as the devil make their way through the crowds, leaping over the mattresses. This unusual practice is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the infants and their families. As odd as it may seem, the villagers hold this festival in high regard and take great pride in their unique tradition.
Pushkar Camel Fair
Every year, the small town of Pushkar in India comes to life with the vibrant and colorful Pushkar Camel Fair. This festival, also known as Kartik Mela, attracts over 400,000 people and is considered one of the largest camel fairs in the world.
The History of the Fair
The Pushkar Camel Fair has been an integral part of Rajasthani culture for centuries. It is believed that the fair started as a way for locals to buy and sell camels, but over the years, it has transformed into a grand event that attracts travelers and photographers from around the globe. The festival also coincides with the full moon of Kartik Purnima, adding a spiritual aspect to the celebration.
What to Expect at the Fair
The Pushkar Camel Fair is a carnival of sorts, with various competitions, entertainment, and food stalls on offer. The highlight of the festival is the camel trading, where livestock owners showcase their most prized camels and compete for the best-decorated camel prize. Other attractions include cultural performances, hot air balloon rides, and a wide array of traditional Rajasthani handicrafts to take home as souvenirs.
Final Thoughts
From chasing cheese wheels to cheering on men dressed as devils, extreme festivals are not only about adrenaline-pumping activities but also about celebrating customs and traditions that have withstood the test of time. These festivals are a testament to the diversity and uniqueness of our world and offer a glimpse into cultures that are vastly different from our own. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure to experience these extreme festivals first-hand!
