There's no better way to better understand a foreign culture than through one of its festivals. Here are some interesting festivals in the world.
La Tomatina(Spain)
Last Wednesday of August
This "largest food fight in the world" is believed to have been started with a tomato—but it certainly didn't end with just one. Now, more than 50,000 people pack the streets of Bunol, Spain, armed with cheap tomatoes, ready to pelt friends and strangers alike. Gloves and safety glasses are suggested as the battle can get quite heated, even though it lasts just an hour. While past years allowed anyone and everyone to take part, the large number of attendees pushed town officials to require tickets.
National Beer Day(Iceland)
March 1
It's no secret that Icelanders are fond of a bit of partying. After all, when there are days when the sun won't stop shining, it makes sense to throw a few back to celebrate. However, it wasn't that long ago(1989) that Iceland was still under a form of prohibition(禁酒令) and unable to sell beer. When the laws were passed to make beer legal on March 1,1989, Icelanders were excited and have since celebrated National Beer Day each March 1 with pub dances and other celebrations that last until the early hours of the morning. Beer has since become the most popular drink in the country.
Lopburi Monkey Banquet(盛宴)(Thailand)
Last Sunday in November
If you've ever come in close contact with monkeys, you know that they're often a bit troublesome, taking a sandwich from your hand without warning or breaking into your hotel minibar if you forget to lock the doors (true story). However, in 1989, in Lopburi, Thailand, a local innkeeper decided to feed the monkeys a banquet as they're also believed to bring good luck. Thus, a tradition was born and the banquet has grown each year. As the monkeys run into the banquet, they soon get a bit excited and start dancing on the tables and throwing food. For visitors, it's a highly enjoyable sight—just be sure to wear clothes that you don't mind being decorated by the monkeys.
