Novgorod, Russia: Maslenitsa
In Orthodox countries, the week before Lent is marked with a series of celebrations, including a free-for-all boxing match in which there are no rules. In centuries past, the fight ended only when the participates were covered with blood and bereft of clothes.
Inazawa, Japan: Hadaka Matsuri, The Naked Festival
Hidden somewhere in the midst of all these men in loincloths is one fully naked man. Touching him is believed to bring good luck and happiness.
Lopburi province, Thailand: The Monkey Buffet
Every year, all of the province's approximately 600 monkeys are invited to eat fruits and vegetables during an annual feast held in honor of Rama, a hero of the Ramayana, who, it is said, rewarded his friend and ally, Hanuman the Monkey King, with the fiefdom of what is now Lopburi.
Lopburi province, Thailand: The Monkey Buffet
Organizers of the annual monkey buffet use more than 3,000 kg of fruits and vegetables for the festival.
Brockworth, England: Cheese Rolling Festival
In a dangerous tradition dating back to Roman times, competitors from all over the world run up a hill and then chase a 7 kg round cheese back down. The first who gets to it, keeps it.
The World's Wackiest Holidays - III
