Strange History

20 Bizarre European Traditions With Ancient Roots

Shannon Quinn - June 21, 2025

Europe’s rich tapestry of history is woven with peculiar traditions that stretch back centuries. Many of these customs are steeped in ancient lore, from wild pagan ceremonies to superstitions passed through generations. Today, these strange festivals and eccentric rituals not only survive but thrive, captivating locals and curious visitors alike. Whether it’s leaping over bonfires or sporting outrageous costumes, these time-honored practices reveal how deeply the past continues to shape the present. Join us as we explore 20 of Europe’s most bizarre—and enduring—traditions.

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1. La Tomatina (Spain)

Every August, the small town of Buñol in Spain erupts in a spectacular tomato-throwing frenzy known as La Tomatina. Thousands of participants gather to pelt each other with overripe tomatoes, transforming the streets into a sea of red pulp. While its origins trace back to a spontaneous food fight in the 1940s, the festival echoes ancient harvest rituals that celebrated abundance and community. Learn more

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2. Krampusnacht (Austria, Germany)

On Krampusnacht, the shadowy Krampus stalks the streets alongside Saint Nicholas, ready to frighten misbehaving children. Rooted in ancient Alpine pagan customs, this December tradition features haunting parades with participants donning horned masks and furs. Krampus’s fearsome presence offers a chilling counterpoint to the warmth of Christmas festivities, especially in Austria and Bavaria. Read more

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3. Cheese Rolling at Cooper’s Hill (England)

Each spring, fearless competitors hurl themselves down the treacherous slope of Cooper’s Hill in pursuit of a rolling wheel of cheese. This wild and often dangerous tradition, with roots reaching back centuries, is thought to honor ancient fertility rites. Despite frequent injuries, the chaotic race remains a beloved English spectacle. BBC coverage

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4. Up Helly Aa (Scotland)

Up Helly Aa lights up the Shetland Islands each winter with a dramatic Viking spectacle. Participants don elaborate Norse costumes and march through Lerwick, ending with the torching of a hand-built longship. This vibrant festival blends ancient Norse mythology with Scottish customs, celebrating the close of Yule with fire, song, and camaraderie. More details

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5. The Witch Burning of Walpurgis Night (Central Europe)

On April 30th, communities across Central Europe ignite towering bonfires for Walpurgis Night. Rooted in ancient fertility rituals and layered with Christian symbolism, the celebration is famed for its tales of witches gathering atop mountains. Today, it’s marked in countries like Germany, Sweden, and Finland with music, dancing, and a touch of the supernatural. Read more

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6. The Battle of the Oranges (Italy)

Every year in Ivrea, Italy, residents take to the streets for a spectacular three-day orange-throwing battle. This energetic festival reenacts an ancient uprising against an oppressive ruler, blending medieval legend with vibrant civic pride. Cascades of flying oranges create a dramatic—and delicious—spectacle unique to this historic town. More here

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7. The Goat Throwing Festival (Spain)

In the Spanish village of Manganeses de la Polvorosa, an unusual custom once saw locals toss a live goat from a church tower during the San Vicente de Martir festival. Originating in medieval times, this strange ritual has since been replaced with humane alternatives, yet it underscores the endurance of bizarre animal traditions in European history. Source

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8. Mari Lwyd (Wales)

In South Wales, the eerie figure of the Mari Lwyd—a horse’s skull adorned with ribbons and bells—roams from door to door during midwinter festivities. Rooted in ancient pre-Christian fertility rites, this unique tradition involves singing, poetic challenges, and playful battles for entry, filling the dark winter nights with surreal merriment. BBC feature

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9. The Carnival of Ivrea (Italy)

Ivrea’s Carnival is renowned for its grand parade, elaborate costumes, and the dramatic burning of a towering effigy. This vibrant event, distinct from the famed orange battle, draws on ancient rituals of renewal and medieval tales of resistance. Locals and visitors alike revel in the blend of history, legend, and spectacle. Details

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10. Midsummer Night’s Bonfires (Scandinavia)

Across Scandinavia, the arrival of the summer solstice is marked by spectacular bonfires, lively music, and joyful dancing. Rooted in ancient fertility celebrations and believed to ward off evil spirits, these gatherings are a highlight in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. The tradition’s warmth and light echo through similar midsummer festivities across the Baltic region. National Geographic

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11. The Whipping Boys of Easter (Czech Republic, Slovakia)

In Czechia and Slovakia, Easter Monday brings a playful yet ancient custom: boys gently whip girls with braided willow branches. This light-hearted ritual, believed to ensure health and beauty for the year ahead, is rooted in pre-Christian spring celebrations. The fun often escalates with good-natured water splashing as girls return the favor. Radio Prague

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12. The Perchtenlauf (Austria)

In Austria’s Alpine villages, the Perchtenlauf parade brings ancient legends to life. Men and women don fearsome wooden masks and costumes as Perchten, storming the streets with bells and whips to banish winter’s evil spirits. This rowdy, theatrical tradition—rooted in pre-Christian folklore—welcomes the arrival of spring with noise and spectacle. Smithsonian

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13. The Tar Barrel Rolling (England)

Each November in Ottery St Mary, Devon, locals hoist flaming tar barrels and race them through crowded streets in a fiery spectacle. Though its exact origins are mysterious, the tradition may date back to ancient fire rituals or attempts to chase away evil spirits. It’s a thrilling, smoky celebration unique to this English town. Devon Live

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14. The Goat of Gävle (Sweden)

In Gävle, Sweden, a towering straw goat is constructed each Christmas—honoring the ancient Norse Yule Goat tradition. Since 1966, the festive figure has become infamous for frequent arson attempts, adding a mischievous twist to the holiday season. Despite the risks, the goat endures as a quirky symbol of Christmas spirit. History

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15. The Baby Jumping Festival (El Colacho, Spain)

In the Spanish village of Castrillo de Murcia, the El Colacho festival sees men dressed as devils vaulting over rows of infants. This unusual ritual, which dates back to the 1600s, is believed to cleanse babies of original sin and protect them from evil. It’s a striking fusion of Catholic and ancient pagan traditions. BBC

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16. The Maypole Dance (Europe-wide)

Each spring, communities across Europe gather to dance around tall, ribbon-adorned maypoles. Especially popular in Germany and England, this cheerful tradition traces back to ancient fertility rites, celebrating nature’s renewal and the joy of warmer days. The colorful dances and lively music bring villages together in a timeless expression of hope and vitality. Britannica

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17. The Gluttonous Feast of Saint Joseph’s Day (Italy, Malta)

In Sicily and Malta, Saint Joseph’s Day is a time for lavish feasting and gratitude. Tables are piled high with ornate pastries and sweet treats, reflecting both Christian reverence and ancient harvest celebrations. This joyous occasion unites families and communities in a vibrant display of abundance and tradition. Italy Magazine

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18. The Battle of Wine (Spain)

Every June in Haro, Spain, revelers arm themselves with buckets and squirt guns filled with red wine for the spirited Batalla del Vino. Held on Saint Peter’s Day, this exuberant celebration likely traces back to ancient grape harvest rites. Participants end the day stained purple, bonded by laughter and tradition. CNN

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19. The Tunarama Tuna Toss (Australia, European roots)

In Port Lincoln, Australia, the Tunarama Tuna Toss sees competitors fling hefty tuna as far as possible—a nod to old European fishermen’s games. Brought by settlers, this lively contest echoes ancient harvest festivals, blending maritime skill with community celebration. It’s a prime example of how European traditions can thrive far from their original shores. ABC News

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20. The Catalan Caga Tió (Spain)

Few traditions capture Europe’s blend of whimsy and history like Catalonia’s Caga Tió, the “pooping log.” Children feed and care for the wooden log, then joyfully beat it on Christmas Eve to “release” gifts and sweets. This playful ritual, mixing ancient symbolism with festive fun, is a vivid reminder of how old beliefs endure in modern celebrations. Atlas Obscura

From fiery festivals to quirky rituals, these ancient customs continue to spark curiosity and joy. Next time you travel, seek out these local celebrations—you might just witness history in action, or even join the fun yourself!

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