Exciting Festivals Where You Can Throw Things

Exciting Festivals Around the World

Every year, countless festivals take place across the globe, celebrating everything from music and New Year’s countdowns to traditional parades. Among these, there’s a special category of festivals where people are encouraged to throw things at one another. Here are seven standout festivals where participants can engage in some playful ‘attacks’ with interesting items.

La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain

On the last Wednesday of August each year, around 20,000 people gather in the town of Buñol, about 40 km from Valencia, to hurl crushed tomatoes at each other. This festival is said to have started in 1945 when a group of youths disrupted a parade in the town square. It’s one of the most entertaining festivals in the world, but since participation is limited, be sure to buy your tickets early. Tickets typically cost around 380,000 VND and are usually available on the festival’s official website in January or February.

Songkran Festival – Thailand

If you’re looking for a reason to relive the carefree days of summer from your childhood, head to Thailand from April 13 to 15. At the Songkran festival, primarily celebrated in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket, people splash water on each other using water guns, hoses, and buckets. The word “Songkran” comes from Sanskrit, meaning “to change,” symbolizing the cleansing of misfortunes. This cultural celebration not only embodies joy but also carries spiritual significance, having been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Orange Battle – Ivrea, Italy

In the small town of Ivrea, located at the foot of the Italian Alps, an annual orange battle takes place, with over a million oranges thrown around. This event involves teams throwing oranges and groups in carts representing the forces of a tyrannical lord. The battle is rooted in a historical uprising when the people of Ivrea revolted against a lord who oppressed the town's brides. The battle occurs over three afternoons leading up to Mardi Gras, so be sure to check the specific dates on the festival’s website.

Haro Wine Festival – La Rioja, Spain

In La Rioja, Spain’s renowned wine region, this festival takes place on June 29, with thousands of participants throwing wine at each other. The festival originated from a land dispute in the 13th century between Haro and a neighboring town. Wear white to contrast with the red wine and join in on this fun celebration. It’s a unique experience you won’t want to miss if you’re in Spain during this time.

Holi Festival – India

As one of the most joyful and famous festivals in Hinduism, Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, occurs on the full moon of the month of Phalguna. On the second day of the festival, people across India gather to throw colored powders at each other. The tradition of throwing colors is said to be inspired by the story of Lord Krishna, with each color carrying its own significance. If you join in this festival, be sure to respect the local culture as you would during other sacred occasions.

World Custard Pie Championships – Coxheath, England

While some might see this as a waste of dessert, this festival attracts many participants who throw custard pies at each other. Originally organized by a local council in 1967, the competition has evolved into an international event with teams from all over. Competitors must throw pies with their left hand and are scored based on accuracy. This is a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

If you want to participate in these festivals, here are some important details to keep in mind. For La Tomatina in Spain, a Schengen visa is required, so prepare in advance. For the Songkran festival in Thailand, a visa is not needed for short-term flights, but remember that Thailand has many different festivals throughout the year. Check the peak tourist season to avoid overcrowding or inflated prices.

Flight prices from Vietnam to Europe typically range from 15 million to 30 million VND depending on the season and booking time. For Thailand, flights can be more affordable, ranging from 3 million to 7 million VND. Plan your travels early and choose the right time for the best experience.

Article referenced and edited from: Matador Network