Shetland Islands, Scotland: "Up Helly-Aa" Fire Festival
A tribute to the islands' Viking Past, Up Helly-Aa ("End of the Holy Days") culminates with the burning of a 32-ft. replica of a Viking longship.
Bobr, Belarus: Ivana Kupala Night
On the night of this pagan festival, celebrated on July 7, the Gregorian summer solstice, young women don wreathes and celebrants jump through fire and swim naked. The rites are connected to ancient beliefs about fertility and autopurification.
New Delhi, India: Holi, the Festival of Colors
Indian girls throw gulal (colored powder) on each other during a Hindi holiday which marks the onset of spring.
Bunyol, Spain: Tomatina
In late August, thousands of people pelt each other with over 250 lbs. of tomatoes in a span of 60 minutes in an event modestly described as the world's largest tomato fight.
Nobsa, Colombia: International Poncho Day
Designed to promote the work of local artisans who weave traditional wool ponchos, the parade and festival are a relatively new celebration.
The World's Wackiest Holidays - II