Did you get a chance to check out the Lotus Throwing and Elephant Festivals? We were so inspired by the number of unique festivals held throughout the world we just had to keep searching for more. Make sure you add a few of these festivals to your next travel itinerary as well.

Monkey Buffet Festival – Bankok, Thailand

The Monkey Buffet Festival is held annually at the Pra Prang Sam Yot temple in the Lopburi province in Bankok, Thailand. Whereas you might believe this festival was designed to feature the extravagant dishes that one can make out of monkey meat, it is actually quite the opposite.

Believe it or not, the Monkey Buffest Festival was created to honor the monkey. Buffets of fruits, sausage, vegetables and other foods are laid out for monkeys to enjoy. Monkey wants to drink a Coke? He’s got it.

Visit the temple and mingle with the monkeys. They’ll enjoy your company and perhaps they’ll even share some of the food!

The Night of the Radishes – Oaxaca, Mexico

We all have our own set of traditions for the Christmas holidays. Some of us sing carols around the Christmas tree, some head out to parties, and others cook a quiet dinner at home for the family. In Oaxaca, Mexico the Christmas season is celebrated on December 23^rd during the Night of the Radishes.

Radishes of all shapes and sizes are carved to create figurines and scenic displays. Artists from all over compete in for prizes based on their radish-carving abilities. You’d be surprised at what one can do with a radish, whether turning the skin into a dress skirt or carving the entire thing into a blossoming flower.

The festival lasts all evening, with competitions, dinner, and shopping. A lovely fireworks display ends the evening in style.

The Lotus Throwing Festival – Thailand

At the end of Buddist lent the Rub Bua Festival is held in Bang Phli, located in Samut Prakan, Thailand. Held to mark the end of the Rains Retreat the festival honors a well known Buddha image most commonly referred to as Luang Poh To.

On order to honor the image, a replica is mounted to a boat that is driven up and down the canal. The people of Thailand show their respect to the Buddha by throwing lotuses onto his boat.

Don’t worry about not being able to see or having a bad spot to watch as the boat passes by. If your lotus misses the boat the Thais in the smaller boats surrounding it will pick them up and make sure they make it onto the main vessel.

The Battle of the Oranges – Ivrea, Italy

Held in February of each year, the Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea, Italy marks the end of the rule of a tyrant from the middle ages. The carnival lasts for days and ends with the entertaining, albeit messy, battle.

Believe it or not the festival wasn’t always about oranges. The people once threw beans but somewhere during the 19^th century women started throwing oranges at boys they liked and if the boy liked the girl he would throw an orange in return.

Thankfully the Battle of the Oranges is a little more controlled than the tomato fights in Spain. There are rules and teams and those who don’t want to participate can wear a red hat, immediately earning immunity. We just want to know one thing – are the oranges peeled first?

Water Fights – Songkran, Thailand

We all have our own special ways of celebrating the New Year. While I’d prefer curling up by the fire with a glass of champagne and watching fireworks on television, the people of Thailand seem to have other plans.

The water fights in Songkran in April mark the start of the New Year in Thailand and usually last a full five days. During that time no public place is safe from attack and you should be prepared to be pummeled by water balloons or hosed down by powerful squirt guns at any given time.

April is hot in Thailand, so it’s not exactly like you’re going to freeze from the water in the cold like you would if we had a New Year’s water war in the US. It’s all in good fun, so don’t fret if you get hit. Simply pick up the nearest water container and take part in the festivities!

Tunarama – Port Lincoln, South Australia

Held in January of each year, the Tunarama Festival in the Eyre Peninsula is the most popular event of the year. Dozens of events are held with each featuring – you guessed it – the tuna fish.

Festival events include a tuna toss competition, a street procession, the Grand Slam Challenge (featuring a run, triathalon, and swim), and a slippery pole competition. You’ll also find the Beach Babe and Boardies competition, camel and helicopter rides, and a fireworks display.

Think a tuna toss sounds ridiculous? Think again. The winners get to split up to $7,000 in prize money for tossing their tunas the furthest!

Cultural festivals are an amazing experience, whether you’re interested in a fun and crazy festival or simply one that honors sacred tradition. By attending festivals around the world you’re sure to gain a better understanding and respect for the rest of the world. Enjoy your trips!

Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 7, 8