When it comes to wild and unforgettable celebrations, Europe sets the bar high with its eclectic lineup of eccentric festivals. From hurling tomatoes in Spain to chasing giant cheese wheels in England, these events offer travelers a unique glimpse into local culture—with a splash of chaos and a whole lot of fun. If you’re looking to spice up your travel plans, these bizarre yet beloved festivals might just be the highlight of your Europe tour.
🍅 La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain
Every August, the small town of Buñol in Spain transforms into a red-splattered battleground as over 20,000 participants take part in La Tomatina, the world’s biggest food fight. Tons of overripe tomatoes are trucked in for a one-hour frenzy of pure tomato-hurling mayhem. Although it may sound like madness, there are rules: tomatoes must be squashed before throwing, and eye protection is highly recommended!
La Tomatina is not just about fun—it’s also a symbol of communal joy, and it attracts travelers from around the globe. If you’re considering Europe Tour Packages in late summer, be sure to align your dates with this juicy extravaganza.
🧀 Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling – Gloucestershire, England
Held every spring on Cooper’s Hill near Gloucester, this festival is exactly what it sounds like: participants throw themselves down a steep hill in pursuit of a rolling 9-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. Injuries are common, and spectators often find themselves gasping and laughing in equal measure.
While the event is unofficial and technically “unsanctioned,” that doesn’t deter thrill-seekers and international daredevils. If you’re after quirky, adrenaline-pumping experiences, this one-of-a-kind spectacle is a must-see during your UK leg of any Europe Tour Package.
🎭 Carnival of Ivrea – Ivrea, Italy
The Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea dates back to the 12th century and features teams of locals pelting each other with oranges over three days. Rooted in a tale of rebellion and liberation, this festival blends medieval drama with citrus-fueled chaos.
Visitors can observe or even participate—helmets provided! The event usually takes place in February and coincides with the broader Italian Carnival season, making it an exciting cultural window into pre-Lenten festivities.
🔥 Up Helly Aa – Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Imagine torch-lit parades, Viking costumes, and the burning of a full-sized longship—welcome to Up Helly Aa. This festival celebrates Shetland’s Norse heritage and is held every January in the remote, snow-covered town of Lerwick.
The highlight is the dramatic finale, where a replica Viking ship is set ablaze by hundreds of torchbearers. Up Helly Aa is not your typical winter festival—it’s a fiery tribute to ancestral pride and community spirit.
🥒 Menton Lemon Festival – Menton, France
Held annually in the French Riviera town of Menton, the Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron) showcases gigantic citrus sculptures, parades, and dazzling light displays. More than 145 tons of lemons and oranges are used to create massive, imaginative structures, drawing artists and visitors alike.
It’s a colorful and aromatic celebration of the region’s famed citrus production, and a family-friendly alternative to the messier festivals.
Final Thoughts
Europe’s wackiest festivals go beyond typical sightseeing—they offer travelers immersive, exhilarating, and often downright bizarre cultural experiences. Whether you’re chasing cheese, dodging tomatoes, or setting sail on a Viking ship of fire, these events turn your holiday into a story worth telling.
So if you’re looking to experience the continent beyond cathedrals and cafés, explore Europe Vacation Packages with Indian food that include these unforgettable celebrations. After all, travel is about collecting memories—and what better way than by being part of Europe’s most extraordinary festivals?
Also Read: 7 Festivals That Celebrate Life in Europe!
