Wackiest Festivals Around The World In April

Traditions and festivities often don’t make sense, but they can be a lot of fun. We love wacky festivals as they give us a whole new insight as to what’s important to other cultures. Here are some of the wackiest festivals occurring this April around the world.

Naghol Land Diving, April 2-June 27, Pentecost Island
This festival marks the beginning of the yam harvest. In order to appease the gods, men climb up a spiked tower, attach jungle vines to themselves and jump off. If you think it sounds dangerous, that’s because it is. It’s pretty common for individuals to break a few bones or even die. This festival is considered a rite of passage for young men. Those who make it unscaved get to celebrate afterwards.

Afrikaburn, April 27-May3, Tankwa Karoo National Park
This art festival is pretty timid, yet interesting. The main centerpiece is a sculpture called San Clan and is rather large in nature. Festival goers claim that there is a real sense of community with individuals walking around with oranges and making fresh orange juice on the spot while others called Monks of Moop walk around picking up trash the entire time.

King’s Day, April 27, Amsterdam
This festival celebrates the welcoming of a new king. It’s a festival where participants can do pretty much anything. It’s considered to be one of the wildest events that takes place in Amsterdam each year. The color of choice on this day is orange. That’s because it is the royal family’s color. It’s not uncommon to see festival goers adorned in head to toe in bright orange.

Thrissur Pooram Elephant Festival, April 28, Thrissur
This is one of the most colorful festivals that occurs in India each year. More than 30 elephants are all decked out in costumes as they make their way through town to the Vadakkunnathan temple. In addition to the elephants there’s also fireworks and a lot of loud music. This festival is over 200 years old and seems to become more lavish each year.

Takayama Spring Festival, April 14-15, Takayama City
This festival is popular among locals and tourists. It features many lavish floats. The floats are pretty elaborately made with many different mechanical dolls. There’s also a shrine called ‘Mikoshi’ that’s also included in the parade. Throughout both days of the festival there are dance routines and a variety of performers.

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