# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The Tibetan sky burial (From Tibet, an autonomous region in China known as the "Roof of the World."

# data[].attributes.body
Tibet is known as the "Roof of the World", an autonomous region in China known for its mountainous terrain with very high altitudes.  They have a unique way of burials, of honoring the departed's last moments. Most people would consider burials underground, cremation, or even a dead man's boat as it was the burial method of the vikings in history. But here in Tibet, they have what is called the "Sky Burial", where they lay the bodies on the mountain for the vultures to eat them, as a form of compassion in Tibetan Buddhism, for they believe that even in death, they must end with an act of compassion with nature.

https://www.thelivingurn.com/blogs/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-tibetan-sky-burial

# data[].attributes.body
CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL IN TOLEDO, BELIZE

Happening every year around the third week of May is the Chocolate Festival in Toledo, Belize. Tourists are given the chance to try the chocolate delights, find out what’s new in the world of chocolate making, and buy chocolates and chocolate-related souvenirs.

Read more on:

Belize Chocolate Festivals

The Best Chocolate Festivals Across Latin America

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Greek Orthodox Easter Tradition of Botides (Corfu, Greece)

# data[].attributes.body
On every Saturday of the Easter week, the people of Corfu, Greece toss clay of pots filled with water out of their windows and balconies therefore creating noise crashes on the streets. Local people hold that this tradition helps repulse bad spirits and bad luck. In addition, this custom is also believed to symbolize the divine striking down of enemies and be able to make a fresh start.

At 11:00 in the morning, the bells announce the Morning Resurrection in which this custom is celebrated. Bands will play music along with traditional dancers including thousands of people yelling, "He has truly risen."

# data[].attributes.body
Tribe of Swazis, also known as the Swati, are a Bantu-speaking tribe that lives in Swaziland and South-East Africa. The Swazi reed-dance, which lasts eight days, is a unique feature of their culture. The goal of the dance is to honor the queen while also preserving the innocence of the single ladies. The Swati tribe has other ritual dances, such as the rain dance, in addition to the reed dance. The Swazi tribesmen are often referred to as the "royal dance tribe."

Furthermore, other traditional ceremonies, healing rituals, and religious beliefs have been maintained by this African tribe. The Swazi tribe is also known for its clothing, which comes in various styles for various age groups and genders. Boys aged 3 to 8 years old, for example, wear a piece of leather, while girls of the same age wear a grass skirt or a portion of a cloth with a beaded necklace. Unmarried women wear a fabric dress with their hair pulled back into a bun, while men wear a leather loin with bead ornaments.

Read more on:
[1] https://www.thekingdomofeswatini.com/eswatini-experiences/events/umhlanga-reed-dance/
[2] https://www.britannica.com/place/Eswatini/Cultural-life#ref480824

# data[].attributes.body
In Taiwan, Buddhism is one of the most major religion among it's population. In Buddhism, reincarnation or to live another life after death is part of it. So when it comes to funeral traditions, a rite is involved where these bank notes are burnt, although they are non-legal tender bills. These "hell bank notes" has an image the Jade Emperor, the presiding monarch of heaven in Taoism, on it's side. The belief is that the the burning of these notes gives the spirit sufficient spending money in the underworld or in the afterlife.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_money

# data[].attributes.body
The largest carnival celebration in Bolivia, the Oruro Carnival is a relatively unknown, yet extremely colorful festival. The festival, over 200 years old, honors the Virgin of the Mineshaft, in one of Bolivia’s traditional mining towns. The Oruro Carnival features colorful and elaborate costumes, decorated statues of the Virgin of the Mineshaft, big brass bands, and beautiful processions. One parade, Diablada (Dance of the Devils) showcases 20,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians in extravagant costumes. This large, colorful, and somewhat crazy celebration of Oruro Carnival is not to be missed.

Jairuz Oscar Raymundo
https://letsgo.citysurfing.com/experiences/2czspuebn8jhmdwhvvga63un51doim-wgwtn-ls7d8

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Caldo de Cardan – bull penis and testicle soup.

# data[].attributes.body
NOT A PRETTY DISH, BUT PACKS A PUNCH.

There's nothing Bolivians enjoy more than a bowl of soup on a Sunday Morning.

The true breakfast of champions; this delicacy is said to be a natural viagra and the predominant cure for hangovers.  Enjoyed in Bolivia, the Caldo de Cardan is a widely-known soup dish with bull penis and testicles as the main ingredients. Somehow unbelievable but locals consider this soup as the #1 hangover-cure and stamina-booster. Also, considered to give an aphrodisiac effect and is believed to be the most natural cure of Bolivian impotence.

The bull genital stew is a culinary challenge in Latin America as this takes almost 10-16 hours of cooking together with lam rib, chicken breast, hard-boiled egg, potatoes, rice, and Bolivian beef jerky.

Bolivians swear that experiencing the flavorful taste of this dish will never be regretted as this dish is the thing people never knew wanted in Latin America exploration.

READ MORE

https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/caldo-de-cardan

https://www.chimuadventures.com/blog/2018/08/food-south-america/

https://www.culinaryschools.org/blog/caldo-de-cardan-bolivian-bull-penis/

https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Bolivias-Bull-Penis-Soup-Soars-in-Popularity-20151113-0020.html

https://www.vice.com/en/article/8qkvqg/bull-penis-soup-is-the-national-hangover-cure-of-bolivia

# data[].attributes.body
The Puck Fair, also known as "Fair of the He-Goat" is one of Ireland's oldest fairs. It takes place annually from August 10 to 12 in the small town of Killorglin.

Every year a group of people go up into the mountains and catch a wild goat who is brought back to the town and the "Queen of Puck", traditionally a young schoolgirl from one of the local primary schools, crowns the goat "King Puck".

Learn more in: https://puckfair.ie/
They have an official website!

# data[].attributes.body
In the vast city of Tacuarembó, Uruguay, thousands of people visit Laguna las Lavanderas every year in celebration of the biggest and most important traditional folklore festival in the region—The Fiesta de La Patria Gaucha.

The foundation of the festival dated back in the late 1980s in honor of the gaucho known to be skilled horsemen recognized for their bravery and unruliness that lived in the countryside of Uruguay, Argentina, and the south of Brazil. Annually, people gather in crowds during the month of March to celebrate the event for five days. Furthermore, the event usually comes with traditional dances, music, galleries, exhibitions, parades, and many more to make everything more lively and festive.

READ MORE:
https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/uruguay/articles/fiesta-de-la-patria-gaucha-what-to-know-about-uruguays-biggest-gaucho-festival/

https://dare2go.com/important-gaucho-festival-uruguay/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This is the biggest and most important traditional folklore festival in the region, celebrated in Tacuarembó, Uruguay. Thousands of Uruguayans, Argentinians, and Brazilians of all ages flock in March every year to the big lake, Laguna de las Lavanderas, to embrace in their shared heritage, culture, and history for five days.

The festival encompasses everything imaginable to be celebrated: traditional dance, live music, poetry, gastronomy and beverages, art and anthropology exhibitions, contests, military shows, speeches, parades, fireworks, big bonfires, shopping, gaucho shows with sheep, horses, and cows, drums, dog contests, humor, theater, religious celebrations, horse races, horse auctions, and an awards ceremony.

This massive celebration started in 1986, with the aim of commemorating the figure of the gaucho, which is now a regional hero and a symbol for bravery, freedom, and generosity. Gauchos were outlaw nomadic skilled horsemen, adept in cattle work, who lived in the countryside of Uruguay, Argentina, and the south of Brazil. The figure of the gaucho is prominent in folklore, legends, and literature.

Held annually in early March, the festival brings together rural societies from all over the country, and popular figures from the region, to perform different cultural shows and performances. It is a festival to honor the ancestors, family, and tradition.

Art and performance make up half of the festival's activities. The big stage hosts national and international musicians, who compete to play in the renowned fiesta. There are also theater shows, comedy shows, poetry readings, traditional dancers, payadores criollos, and much more. The payada is a very old form of artistic expression characteristic of Uruguay, and consists of people playing the guitar as they recite verses in a sort of word duel. The payadores are extremely talented and come up with the most entertaining refutals and storylines, all while maintaining the rhythm and rhymes.

Naturally a very big part of the festivities lies on the prowess of the legendary gaucho. In that vein, people from all over the country compete in horse races, cattle looping, foal taming, horse riding shows, and even sheep shearing. These activities happen at different locations not far from the main stage.

Uruguayans of all ages, from children to adults, representing selected rural societies from all over the country, compete against each other in varied trials. A very significant and symbolic moment is the parade of the horse riders, and the cut of a leather tie or rope that signifies the official commencement of the festival.

During the five-day festival, there are many other activities happening at all times, so usually people make their own itinerary to make sure they don't miss out on their favorite spectacles. Just to name a few, there are public dances, to which everyone is invited to join in, theatrical and historical representations, a lot of guitar playing, gastronomic competitions, and some religious celebrations like Criolla Mass, which combines elements of Catholic Mass with traditional folklore instruments. There is also a selected spot with activities for children, and a night club area for young people.

A big part of the fiesta is the accurate recreation of the past. The rural societies compete to build the most precise buildings and elements to depict the times of the gaucho. They reconstruct camping sites, fences, rural schools and houses, churches and a big bonfire, all as original and unique as they were in their time. The bonfire aims to resemble the campsites where the gauchos slept, ate, and spent time together. It is made for people to actually set up camp there, which makes for a cozy celebration full of joy, laughter, shared food and mates, and guitar sounds under the starry nights.

The gaucho parade is also an incredible part of the fiesta, as more than 4,000 horses and their riders parade on the streets of Tacuarembó. The whole city congregates and no one wants to miss a second of the action, as men, women and children all parade on top of horses or historic carriages, proud to be celebrating their identity.

There isn't another equestrian activity in Uruguay hosting this many participants. Governing neighbors, legislators, ministers, ambassadors, and departmental authorities are all present to affirm their recognition and respect to this national hero.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fiesta de La Patria Gaucha: What to Know About Uruguay's Biggest Gaucho Festival

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This is the biggest and most important traditional folklore festival in the region, celebrated in Tacuarembó, Uruguay. Thousands of Uruguayans, Argentinians, and Brazilians of all ages flock in March every year to the big lake, Laguna de las Lavanderas, to embrace in their shared heritage, culture, and history for five days.

# data[].attributes.body
The Presidential Turkey Pardon is an annual Thanksgiving Ritual in which a turkey given to US Presidents is given a "pardon" and returned to a farm to live out the rest of their lives---albeit not very long ones, as turkeys bred to be eaten often die prematurely within the following year. Although the beginning of this ritual is often incorrectly attributed to US President Harry Truman, the first president to spare the life of a thanksgiving turkey is John F. Kennedy, and George H.W. Bush was the one who made it a permanent part of the ceremony.

Further reading:
Weird America: 9 Of The USA's Most Bizarre Traditions | Rough Guides
A Brief History of the Presidential Turkey Pardon - HISTORY

# data[].attributes.body
There are a lot of bizarre cultures found in Japan, such as the Naki Sumo Mitsuri or also known as the Crying Baby Festival. It is usually held in April or May every year at the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo. This festival is a baby crying competition, it involves two sumo wrestlers holding a baby. After that, the referee puts on a scary mask to make the babies cry. The winner is determined by who can cry the loudest and longest. This tradition is about 400 years old and is said to keep the newborns healthy.

Read more on:
Craziest Festivals in Japan (japan-mobility.com)

Bizarre Japanese Traditions You Won’t Believe Are Real - Klook Travel BlogKlook Travel

# data[].attributes.body
An historic shrine known as Konomiya Shrine draws thousands of warmly dressed visitors every February to watch thousands of naked men perform the Hadaka Matsuri, or Naked Festival. Inazawa's Konomiya Naked Festival, which has been conducted yearly since 767 to provide invocations to remove evil spirits and disease, drive out bad luck, and welcome in the good, is one of the biggest, oldest, and most well-known celebrations in the country.

Read more on :
https://www.aichi-now.jp/en/spots/detail/229/

# data[].attributes.body
This bizarre tradition of the Mayans at Todos Santos, Guatemala dates back to when the Spaniard conquerors forbade them to drink during the 17th century, they did this tradition as a protest to them. The participants drink Quetzalteca (a Guatemalan liquor) the night before the race, preparing themselves for the Skach Koyl the next day.

Read more about this tradition:
https://www.odditycentral.com/animals/skach-koyl-guatemalas-unique-drunk-horse-riding-race.html
https://talarablackwood.wordpress.com/2014/11/06/skach-koyl-mayan-tradition-of-drunken-horse-racing/

# data[].attributes.body
La Tomatina is a food fight festival held annually on the last Wednesday of August in the town of Bunol (historic) near Valencia, Spain. Thousands of people from all over the world arrive to fight in this "world's biggest food war," where hundreds of metric tons of ripe tomatoes are dumped on the streets.

Read more on:
https://www.latomatinatours.com/#:~:text=La%20Tomatina%20is%20a%20food,near%20to%20Valencia%20in%20Spain.

# data[].attributes.body
Las Mañanitas

It is a famous traditional birthday song in Mexico, but also in Latin America. Usually, you sing this song early in the morning before the person wakes up, or just before eating the birthday cake. In Colombia, Las mañanitas is sung during Fiesta Quinceañera. You can find lots of different versions of this song, but the mariachi performance is the most popular one.

https://www.spanishstudio.sg/famous-hispanic-traditions-you-should-celebrate/

# data[].attributes.body
In Nevada's Black Rock Desert, Burning Man is an annual, nine-day gathering that spans from the last Sunday in August to the first Monday in September (Labor Day). The Burning Man experience is enriched by unconventional forms of self-expression such as light or fire performance art, naked body painting, and the fabrication of "Mutant vehicles". Despite the fact that it is commonly referred to as a hippie festival, the actual soul of the festival is the people's community and their connection, which brings everything together to build the festival from the ground up.

Read more on:
[1] https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/Burning-Man
[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-burning-man-theme-tickets-dates-outfits-2018-8#where-does-burning-man-take-place-3

# data[].attributes.body
With masked ensembles from Portugal and Spain, this celebration was staged in the streets of the Pombaline Downtown. Over the course of four days, this major festival gathers diverse facets of popular culture around the usage of masks in ancestral ceremonies; an explosion of color, popular art, music, gastronomy, and historical and culturally significant handicrafts.

Read more on:
https://getlisbon.com/events/iberian-mask-in-lisbon/

# data[].attributes.body
The days before Christmas in Cusco are filled with equal parts excitement, holiday cheer…and crafts projects! Santuranticuy Cusco Christmas Market, one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in Peru, is a temporary Christmas market that takes place every year in the Plaza de Armas.
The name “Santuranticuy” translates to “saints for sale,” which is fitting given that its primary function is for sculptors and craftsmen sell diverse figurines to brighten holiday displays. By tradition, the people of Cusco make their own nativity scenes for their homes and parishes.
Santuranticuy Christmas Market serves as the crafts store for these annual DIY projects. Cusqueños come to buy the raw materials, from moss for the grass to figurines of the most popular characters in the nativity scene. The most renowned and popular figurines are the various “Niños Manuelitos,” the Andean version of baby Jesus.

Sources:https://www.aracari.com/blog/luxury-travel-peru/santuranticuy-cusco-christmas-market/#:~:text=Local%20Festivals%20in%20Peru%3A%20Santuranticuy,Peru%2C%20particularly%20Pucar%C3%A1%20and%20Quinua.

# data[].attributes.body
Annually, in Portland, Oregon, the Naked Bike Ride is being celebrated by thousands of participants from all around the world. The riders strip and ride their bikes to promote cyclist safety and fight the use of oil for traveling. Also, the motto of the event "bare as you dare", encourages the participants to dress based on their comfort promoting body positivity.

Read more on:
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/05/us/naked-bike-ride-portland-coronavirus-trnd/index.html

https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2018/11/world_naked_bike_ride_announce_4.html

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Celebration of Fasnacht or "Burning of Old Man Winter"

# data[].attributes.body
Fasnacht - Helvetia, West Virginia

This seemingly weird tradition was started by German-Swiss immigrants that came from Switzerland. This tradition occurs in the period before Ash Wednesday. The occasion is composed of wearing masks and decorating their house with scary figures. The purpose of this notion is to scare the "Old Man Winter" (an effigy figure disliked, and it is also the embodiment of winter). They dance and enjoy the festival merrily

After, they dance and enjoy the festival merrily. Fasnacht's main event will commence at midnight. It is announced that it is time to cut the rope of Old Man Winter, which is tied up in the ceiling in Helvetia Community hall. Once the cord is cut, the figure is taken outside, paraded, beaten down, and finally thrown in the bonfire, symbolizing the shortening of winter.

References:

https://www.americaslibrary.gov/es/wv/es_wv_fasncht_1.html
https://wvtourism.com/event/fasnacht/

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
YANSHUI BEEHIVE FIREWORKS FESTIVAL in TAIWAN

# data[].attributes.body
Being one of the most representative religious events in Taiwan and ranked as to be the third largest folk celebration in the world, the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is known for its extremely dangerous fireworks festival as rockets were fired directly into the crowd. Locals believe that the more times they are hit with rockets, the luckier they will be throughout the year.

Read more on:
https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002019&lid=080789

# data[].attributes.body
Yamayaki Festival in Japan
Yamayaki is an event that sets fire to Mount Wakakusa. The flame engulfs the entire mountain, and then rises up into the night sky. There are many supposed theories as to how the Yamayaki began. Some say that the grassy hills were set on fire in order to commemorate their ancestors, while others say that the burning began as a way to encourage new growth for plant life. It is an important festival that signals the beginning of a brand new year, inviting the spring season to the city of Nara.
Read more on: https://ohmatsuri.com/en/articles/nara-wakakusayama-yamayaki

# data[].attributes.body
Scarification is the act of incising the skin with a sharp tool, such as a knife, a glass, a stone, or a coconut shell, to regulate the shape of scar tissue on the body's various portions. The primary goal of African scarification is to beautify, though scars of a particular type, size, and location on the body frequently indicate group identity or stages in a person's life.

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/body-marks-make-up-in-traditional-kenyan-communities/kQKyegfzRa0qKA

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Umbilical belt in a women's breasts to deter its development.

# data[].attributes.body
Breast Ironing Tradition in Cameroon

From the ethnic groups in Cameroon lies a 50-year old tradition that is done to decrease pregnancy rates, help children complete their studies, better women's breast milk, and prevent breast cancer. It is a tradition where a mother of a young women monitors and deters breast development of their child, as young as 9 years old, by pounding hot objects on their child's breasts using stone, hammer, umbilical belt, and others. By doing this, women's breasts become small, flattened, and unattractive to men which may stop them from copulating a woman due to their appearance.

More information here:
https://guardian.ng/life/bizarre-african-tradition-where-girls-are-exploited/

# data[].attributes.body
The Wife Stealing Festival is done by the Wodaabe Tribe in Niger, West Africa. In the tribe, men are contracted to women for marriage in infancy and the women can have as many sexual partners as they want before marriage. The purpose of the festival is for the men to impress the wives of other men through elaborate dresses, make-ups and beauty pageants. The men's make-up takes 6 hours and is mainly focused to accentuate the whiteness of the eyes, firm bridge of the nose, and whitening of the teeth

Source:
https://guardian.ng/life/the-wodaabe-wife-stealing-festival/

# data[].attributes.body
In Bhutan there is a form of rural courtship called  "Night Hunting", it is a tradition where single men would sneak into houses of single girls in order to have intercourse.

The idea was to give the girl the right to choose her partner, so if a man is interested in a girl he would persuade her to have intercourse and if the girl gave her consent it could lead to marriage, but if not he would get chased out.

Read more on:
https://historyofyesterday.com/the-culture-where-men-break-into-girls-rooms-leaving-them-vulnerable-to-sexual-abuse-95eaa3b98ae3

# data[].attributes.body
In the course of the burial ceremony of a tribe member, the body of the departed is necessary to be washed and their corpse is brought to a sacred place where the cleansing is performed by slitting the throat and putting water inside the body of the deceased. The water will be squeezed out of their dead body until it becomes clean and that water is collected to be used for the preparation of the whole community's meal.

https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/7-strange-traditions-across-africa/s5qc326

# data[].attributes.body
For Babies in India, a 30-Foot Plunge for Good Luck

Some families in rural India — both Hindus and Muslims — are willing to let their babies be tossed off the roof of a shrine, to be caught in a stretched bedsheet about 30 feet below. Legend has it that a saint advised people whose babies were dying to build a shrine and drop the ailing infants from the roof to show their trust in the almighty.  From then on, prayers for the birth of a healthy baby in the region have included a promise to toss the baby as an offering to the god who granted the prayers. Villagers believe that the ritual brings the child long life and good luck, and maintain that it does no harm.

Read more:
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/29/world/what-in-the-world/for-babies-in-india-a-30-foot-plunge-for-good-luck.html

# data[].attributes.body
In the city of Medellín, Colombia celebrates its annual flower festival in August. During the Desfile de Silleteros (Flower Grower's Parade), local famers and growers make beautiful parade floats and installations made from fresh flowers, filling the city with the lovely fragrances and colors. The festival, which is held for a week, is not about only about flowers, but also has musical performances, as well as sporting and cultural events. In 1957, the country's first flower festival was organized exclusively for Colombians. Since then, the event has increased in popularity and welcomes visitors from all over the world each year to see the country's blossoming beauty.

# data[].attributes.body
SETSUBUN

To fend off evil spirits that bring calamity, misfortune, and bad health, Setsubun involves a lot of bean eating and bean hurling, and it commemorates the end of winter.

It is commemorated in the United States, and there are some interesting public festivities at temples that are worth seeing.

Despite the fact that many overseas tourists are still unfamiliar with the event, studying about it can help you have a better understanding of Japanese culture and appreciate it more.

# data[].attributes.body
A sacrificial midwinter festival celebrated in Iceland. Like many other traditions, this custom is connected with food. In this feast, people eat old traditional Icelandic foods such as sheepheads, fermented sharks, and sour testicles. Being able to consume these types of food is considered to be a sign of strength in the modern Icelandic culture.

Sources:
https://understandiceland.is/thorrablot-mid-winter-festival/
https://www.esn.org/blog/7-weird-customs-across-europe-you-may-have-never-heard-about

# data[].attributes.body
The Annual Gerewol Festival; Courtship Ritual and Beauty Contests of the Wodaabe in Chad

The Wodaabe aka "Mbororo"  are a small subgroup of Fulani that are famous with their annual festival that showcase their lavish beauty contest and courtship rituals that consists of dance, chants, outfit, and make-ups to attract a potential love mate. These beauty contestants are young and handsome malesand their judges are young and beautiful females who assess the men on their charms, dancing skills, stamina, and appearance anf after the picking, it may remain on playful flirtation that also could turn to serious marriage and there will be no social stigma attacheed because the virginity of young women are not a major concern of the Woodabe.

Read more on: https://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/travel/articles/chad-wodaabe-ritual-beauty-contests.shtml

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Spitting as a form of greeting - Maasai tribe

# data[].attributes.body
The Maasai tribe, found in Kenya and Tanzania, spits as a greeting. Aside from that, when a baby is born, it is common practice for men to spit on him and refer to him as bad. They believe that doing so will keep evil spirits away from the baby. Maasai warriors also spit in their hands before shaking an elder's hand.

https://afrogistmedia.com/8-africas-most-bizarre-cultural-practices-that-you-wont-believe-actually-exists

# data[].attributes.body
When ancestors and elders die, the Suku tribe in the Southwestern Congo celebrates them with a ritual held in a woodland clearing. Outsiders and all women are prohibited to visit, although presents and tributes are to be brought there.

References: https://africa-facts.org/african-culture-16-most-interesting-traditions/

# data[].attributes.body
In Transkei, the boy in puberty must go through a ceremony called the Khweta Ceremony. During the ceremony, boys of different ages stay in a place called a circumcision lodge. They will remain in seclusion for months under the orders and supervision of a master. During this time, they go through various severe tests that will challenge their endurance limits.

References: A Test of Manhood: The Khweta Circumcision Ceremony of the Transkei - BIDHAAR

# data[].attributes.body
Quinceanera, originating from the two Spanish words "quince (fifteen)" and "anos (years)", us a tradition celebrated in Mexico, Latin America, and the Carribean. This refers to the 15th birthday of a girl's 15th birthday, and is also the term used to refer to the celebrant. to them, a girl's 15th birthday is the passage from girlhood to womanhood. The quinceanera is a religious event emphasizing the importance of family and society of a young woman.

Reference:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/quinceanera

# data[].attributes.body
Weasel-poop coffee: “You want me to drink what now?”

“Weasel-poo Coffee” – also known in Indonesia as Kopi Luwak – is made via a process in which coffee cherries are eaten by an Asian palm civet: a small mammal somewhere between a raccoon, a mongoose and a lively house cat. These furry little creatures eat the cherries, which they partially digest and then excrete. Farmers then recover the beans, thoroughly wash them and continue the coffee roasting process. Sound appealing? Thought so.

When offered a cup of weasel poop coffee, most people can’t be blamed for being a little suspicious, expecting the flavour to be… earthy. But that’s not the case.

Read more on:  https://theculturetrip.com/asia/vietnam/articles/the-story-of-vietnamese-weasel-coffee/

# data[].attributes.body
Bull Jumping

The Hamar tribe (also known as the Hamer tribe) in Ethiopia has a pretty... athletic initiation rite. The tribe is made up largely of pastoralists who revere and value their cattle.
Bull-jumping is a three-day rite of passage wherein all boys must partake in it. The initiate must walk over 15 castrated bulls that have been rubbed in dung to make their backs slippery. This ritual is done for the dignity of the initiate and his family. In addition, if the boy fails, he has to wait a whole year to try again and if he succeeded, that means he's ready to marry the girl chosen by his parents.

Reference:
https://blog.rhinoafrica.com/2018/08/13/7-amazing-african-tribal-traditions/

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A Himba woman - Photo Credit: Jessica Mulder

# data[].attributes.body
The red ochre of the Himba

The Himba women of Namibia are known for their gorgeous, red-tinged skin and hair. The tribe's daughters begin using otjize (a handmade mixture of butter, fat, and red ochre) to care for their personal hygiene at a young age. Some claim it serves as sun protection or mosquito repellant, while the Himba tribe claims it serves aesthetic purposes as "basically, a traditional make-up" that they apply every morning in the same manner we would do makeup.

Read more on : https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2668557#:~:text=Red%20ochre%20is%20an%20earth,a%20makeup%20that%20women%20apply.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Las Piñatas, celebrated in hispanic countries

# data[].attributes.body
This celebration is about using a stick and hitting a piñata filled with candies while being blind folded, this tradition has been practiced since the 13th century. This piñata has also religious meanings which represents Satan and there are seven cones in the piñata which represent the seven deadly sins particularly: pride, greed, sloth, gluttony, lust, envy and wrath.

Read more on: https://www.spanishstudio.sg/famous-hispanic-traditions-you-should-celebrate/

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A guinea pig that tastes like chicken served at Andes Mountains. 

# data[].attributes.body
Cuy, known as the guinea pig, is served nutritiously at Andes Mountains by some Peruvian, Ecuadorian, and Bolivian. These guinea pigs are fed with special diets such as lemongrass and yellow carrots then cooked as a whole from head to toe -just like Lechon in the Philippines- which tastes different like a chicken.

References:
https://matadornetwork.com/nights/weird-things-you-can-eat-in-latin-america/
https://www.machutravelperu.com/blog/what-is-cuy

# data[].attributes.body
Parintins Folklore Festival

The Boi-Bumba Festival, also renowned as the Parintins Folklore Festival, is annually celebrated in the state of Amazonas and is Brazil's second-largest festival. It takes place in late June on the verge of the spectacular Amazon River, surrounded by wildlife and lush vegetation. The celebration is primarily based on a re-enactment of the legend of Boi-Bumba, in which an ox is murdered for its tongue to satisfy the desires of a pregnant woman and then unexpectedly revived.

Read more on:
https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/brazil/articles/10-things-to-know-before-visiting-the-festival-do-boi-bumba-in-amazonas/

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
SHARO (Get a beating in order to get a wife)

# data[].attributes.body
This is a typical cultural practice among the Fulani tribe of Nigeria. Fulani is a pastoralist ethnic group that is semi-nomadic. The ritual is known as Sharo and is performed before marriage. It entails the groom being severely beaten by senior members of society. As a result, he gains respect and permission to pursue the wife. The wedding is called off if the guy cannot bear the agony of the whipping. Worse yet, the dowry money is refundable.

Read more on:
https://historyofyesterday.com/the-culture-where-men-get-whipped-to-get-a-wife-aecd7fb69683

# data[].attributes.body
The Jamaican Nine Nights Ritual

It is done by many Jamaican as a ritual for the deads to ensure that their spirits will not come back to haunt the living. In the Nine Nights Ritual the friends, family, and other relatives will meet to celebrate the life of the person that passed away. It is normally done lively and fun. It traditionally involves anecdotes, lots of food, music, and plenty of rum. After nine nights the person that passed away will be buried traditionally once the celebration is finished.

References: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.roughguides.com/article/6-fascinating-jamaican-traditions-and-customs/&ved=2ahUKEwj86Kz2vbL0AhWTN5QKHYNpD3sQFnoECAQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1cbENA9bFVCTSD8TPYh_Qs

# data[].attributes.body
Chocolate Festival, Belize
Punta Gorda in Belize attracts visitors from all over the world to celebrate the wonders of chocolate. During the

Chocolate Festival, you can experience chocolate tastings, street fairs, and traditional music, such as Garifuna drumming and Mayan harp performances, are all available throughout May.

Source:
https://www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk/travel-inspiration/other/quirky-festivals/

# data[].attributes.body
A Mexican Culture, Which They Adore

Some people enjoy eating chili with their meals. If you don't want to go that far, adding a green or red salsa to your cuisine adds a unique touch to any dish. Mexicans like chili peppers and salsa. Besides, these are some of the most inventive methods of expressing their appreciation. Any meal served to Mexicans requires a dash of spice.

Read more here: Salsa and Mexican Food: Everything You Need to Know-El Pollo Norteño (elpollonorteno.net)

# data[].attributes.body
Celebrating Christmas for the whole of December
Colombians celebrate Christmas for the whole of December, with festivities beginning on December 7 with the Día/Noche de las Velitas (Day or Night of the Candles). This event usually takes place around 7pm in the evening, with families and friends gathering to light candles and lanterns in the street. Events continue into the early hours of December 8, itself a public holiday when the Inmaculada Concepción (Feast of Immaculate Conception) takes place. On December 16, events continue with the first Novena, an evening to celebrate devotion with private and public prayers. Usually taking place in a family or friend’s house, large groups gather to sing carols with instruments called villancicos, eat traditional Colombian food, read verses from the bible, and celebrate the arrival of Christmas. The event carries on for nine consecutive days, with the last Novena taking place on Christmas Eve.

Source: https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/colombia/articles/6-colombian-customs-only-locals-will-understand/

https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/colombia.shtml

# data[].attributes.body
Lip Stretching

During teenage years, females of Ethiopia undergo lip stretching procedure which involves the removal of lower teeth to accommodate a lip plate and its size increases yearly. The size of the plate is related to the beauty and eligibility for marriage of a woman.

Read more on:
https://historyofyesterday.com/the-bizarre-lip-plate-tradition-4150ffc4352a

# data[].attributes.body
12 Grapes at Midnight: Spain's Great New Year's Eve Tradition and Superstition

Twelve grapes traditon came from Spain. This tradition was called las doce uvas de la suerte (“The Twelve Lucky Grapes"). According to this tradition, if you eat twelve grapes at midnight, it will brings you luck and prosperity for the whole year.

Read More:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.foodrepublic.com/2012/12/28/12-grapes-at-midnight-spains-great-new-years-eve-tradition-and-superstition/amp/

# data[].attributes.body
Wife Inheritance

It is a ritual when the husband passes away; his brother may assume responsibility and take over the role as the new wife to the female. This is done to strengthen the bonds of the family.

https://anankemag.com/2016/06/23/wife-inheritance-in-africa/

# data[].attributes.body
Contrary to most parts of the world, some parts of Latin America, especially in Mexico, sings a birthday song to the celebrant while he/she is still asleep. The song is called Las Mañanitas. The song is also sung before cutting the birthday cake and sung on other occasions as well like Mother's Day, weddings, baptisms, and anniversaries.

Read more here:
* https://www.spanishstudio.sg/famous-hispanic-traditions-you-should-celebrate/#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20famous%20traditional,is%20the%20most%20popular%20one.
* https://www.lasmananitasmexicanrestaurant.com/las-mananitas-birthday-song-history

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Wearing yellow underwear- Latin America including Colombia, Bolivia and Mexico

# data[].attributes.body
Picking the Right Underwear

In many Latin American countries the underwear you wear on New Year's Eve has a big impact on your year ahead. Yellow underwear, for example, is thought to bring good luck or fortune in the new year. Red underwear, edible or otherwise, is worn for luck in love. Likewise, in many parts of the world, wearing black on New Year's Eve is thought to bring bad luck.

https://abcnews.go.com/ABC_Univision/Entertainment/15-curious-latino-years-eve-traditions/story?id=18076784

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Puerto Rico and a Wet New Year - Puerto Rico

# data[].attributes.body
In Puerto Rico, there is a tradition on New Year's Eve wherein they fill buckets with water and throw them out the window and front doors when midnight strikes. This is in belief that it will drive away evil spirits away from their houses.

Read more here:
https://welcome.topuertorico.org/culture/new-years-traditions.shtml

# data[].attributes.body
Life and Death, Good and Evil

Carnaval de Oruro, or otherwise referred to as the La Diablada Carnival, is one of the most unusual and intriguing processions in Latin America. It is being held in the central Bolivian community of Oruro. Further to that, “The Dance of the Devils,” a ceremonial performance showcasing countless demons and wicked creatures in extravagant vibrant garments, is overflowing with colors and rhythms; not to mention how it unfolds the deep historical origins behind this celebration. At last, a group of masked monsters and angels, as well as dancers portraying the seven deadly sins, take part in this conflict among both light and darkness.

Read more here:
https://www.tripsavvy.com/oruro-carnival-in-bolivia-1636744

# data[].attributes.body
Cattle Jumping

Young boys from the Ethiopian Hamer tribe are required to run, jump, and land on the backs of several bulls – while nude – to prove their manhood. Before a boy undergoes this ritual, his female friends must dance through a parade of elders who will whip them with sticks until their bodies are completely bruised to show their loyalty to them.

Reference:
https://face2faceafrica.com/article/african-traditions/3

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Here are some of Africa’s most-bizarre traditions around the continent.

# data[].attributes.body
In Chinese tradition, a ghost marriage (Chinese: 冥婚; pinyin: mínghūn; lit. 'spirit marriage') is a marriage in which one or both parties are deceased.[1]: 99  Other forms of ghost marriage are practiced worldwide, notably in France since 1959 (see posthumous marriage; compare levirate marriage and ghost marriage in South Sudan, i.e. marriage to a living relative of the deceased). The origins of Chinese ghost marriage are largely unknown, but reports of it being practiced today can still be found.

Read more: Chinese ghost marriage - Wikipedia

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A photo of an Aghori holding a human skull were they drink from. 

# data[].attributes.body
“Aghori Cannibalism” in Varanasi, India

The Aghori, also known as “India’s Cannibal Cult,” are claimed to gather remains and use them for spiritual enlightenment, wearing the corpses, ingesting them, or constructing altars from them. In addition to eating human flesh, Aghoris drink from human skulls and gnaw the heads off of living animals. This custom is done to show their belief of being unperturbed by death.

For more information visit: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11783261/pictures-aghori-tribe-cannibals-india/

Female Photographer Spent a Month with India's 'Cannibal Cult' read more: https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/tamara-merino-aghor-cannibals

# data[].attributes.body
Wedding Tradition in Indonesia: “Bathroom ban after wedding”

The newly married couples from the Tidong community in Indonesia are not allowed to use the toilet/bathroom for 3 days and 3 nights after their wedding. During this tradition, the couple are locked up in a room and are fed small amount of food and water to limit the urge to use the toilet.

Read more: https://historyofyesterday.com/the-culture-that-bans-newly-married-couples-from-using-the-toilet-e81e8ec89172

# data[].attributes.body
Wife inheritance is a ritual practiced almost all over the whole continent. It occurs when the husband passed away due to either fortunate or unfortunate death. The husband's brother is said to be responsible for his dead brother's wife and is free to live the married life. This ritual is believed to enhance and strengthen the bonds of the family.

Read more on:
https://top15.in/top-15-weird-rituals-practiced-in-africa/
https://anankemag.com/2016/06/23/wife-inheritance-in-africa/

# data[].attributes.body
TOOTH FILING in BALI, INDONESIA

Before marriage, Balinese men and women get their teeth filed as a sign of control over sinful emotions including lust, greed, rage, and jealousy. These are the signs of a person's transition into adulthood, and it is a difficult and painful process.

Read more on:

https://bali.com/bali-travel-guide/culture-religion-traditions/balinese-tooth-filing-ceremony/

# data[].attributes.body
Argentines are known to be affectionate people who greet each other by kissing each other on the cheek, even if they are strangers. Consider the fact that the kissing rule is considerably more widespread in large cities like Buenos Aires, and visitors should assess the other person before proceeding with a kiss, particularly amongst men.

References:
•https://worldwithtj.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/argentina1.jpg
•https://traveltips.usatoday.com/greet-people-traveling-argentina-102195.html

# data[].attributes.body
The Dragon Boat Festival is a celebration where many eat rice dumplings (zongzi), drink realgar wine (xionghuangjiu), and race dragon boats. Other activities include hanging icons of Zhong Kui (a mythic guardian figure), hanging mugwort and calamus, taking long walks, writing spells and wearing perfumed medicine bags.

All of these activities and games such as making an egg stand at noon were regarded by the ancients as an effective way of preventing disease, evil, while promoting good health and well-being. People sometimes wear talismans to fend off evil spirits or they may hang the picture of Zhong Kui, a guardian against evil spirits, on the door of their homes.

Read more on: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/china/dragon-boat-festival#:~:text=The%20Dragon%20Boat%20Festival%20is,and%20wearing%20perfumed%20medicine%20bags.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Mochi pounding in Nakatanidou Mochi Shop

# data[].attributes.body
Mochi, also known as rice cake is eaten in Japan for New Year since the Heian period. It is eaten in hopes of getting a good fortune or good health. Usually, it is eaten in a sweet or savory dish. The making of this rice cake or Mochitsuki is one of the traditions in Japan. It takes about 24h to finish. Since it is an event that can be participated by a group of people like family and friends, some communities celebrates festival for Mochitsuki which involves performances and games that can be enjoyed by all.

Read more on:
https://asahiimports.com/2014/01/04/mochitsuki-a-japanese-new-years-tradition/

# data[].attributes.body
A tradition called Kumari Pratha (Kumari meaning a pre-pubertal virgin girl) is a standard in Kathmandu, Nepal. A kumari is believed to be a living goddess, who is worshipped with a belief that all desires will be fulfilled by worshipping her. It is said that once a Kumari reaches puberty, she is replaced by another and should not marry for the rest of their lives.

Read more on: http://www.volunteersummernepal.org/kumari-pratha

# data[].attributes.body
For the first ten days of September, Hindus practice Durga Puja where they worship the image of the goddess Durga. Youth dance to the sound of drums and cymbals in front of the image and people that visit will be given sweets.

Read more on:
https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php/Customs_and_Traditions

# data[].attributes.body
On the 15th day of the first month (Yuan) of the lunar calendar, the Lantern Festival, also known as Yuan Xiao Festival, is a celebration observed in China and other Asian nations to honor deceased ancestors. The Lantern Festival attempts to promote forgiveness, peace, and healing. The Chinese New Year comes to an end with the first full moon of the new lunar year.

The Lantern Festival may have begun during the Han era (206 BCE to 220 CE), when Buddhist monks would light lanterns in honor of the Buddha on the 15th day of the lunar year. The rite was eventually adopted by the entire public and expanded throughout China and Asia. A legend about the festival's origins tells of the Jade Emperor (You Di), who was enraged after his goose was killed by a town. He intended to burn the town down, but a fairy intervened, advising the citizens to light lanterns across the town on the scheduled day of destruction. Because of all the brightness, the emperor imagined the town was already engulfed in flames. The town was spared, and as a thank you, the residents have continued to memorialize the event by carrying colorful lanterns across town every year.

Read more on: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lantern-Festival

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Baci Ceremony in Laos captured by Heather Sinclair

# data[].attributes.body
Baci Ceremony is a thousand years-old Laos traditional practice intended to wish good fortune or celebrate life events such as birthdays, a newborn baby, and weddings. With the lead of a mor phon (elder) who will chant for spirits for good fortune, all participants are required to tie their wrist on a baci strings connected to a pha khuan (a pyramid-like tower made of green palm leaves and orange marigolds) in the center of the ritual.

Read more on:
https://matadornetwork.com/read/laos-good-luck-ceremony/

# data[].attributes.body
Traditional Marriage Rite of the Frafra Tribes in Ghana

When a man desires to marry a female of his choice among the Frafra tribe of Ghana, his family will kidnap the bride-to-be and hold her captive in their home, where she will be closely guarded against escape. The groom's family would make a visit to the bride's family to inform them of the whereabouts of their daughter, and while their marriage proposal was sometimes rejected, some families would dare the man to prove his seriousness by impregnating their daughter.

Read more on:
https://pickasblog.com/the-frafra-traditional-marriage-rite-in-ghana/

# data[].attributes.body
Voodoo Festival: African Dance and Magic

This bizarre tradition is mainly a form of entertainment and some sort of ritual wherein a large bristling object claims to dance on its own through magic. This form of 'mystical' tradition is done during the Voodoo Festival.

https://youtu.be/mtSc6MltaiM

# data[].attributes.body
Thimithi Festival in India

Thimithi is a Tamil Nadu annual festival that takes place every year in the Tamil month of Aipasi, which corresponds to the months of October and November in the Gregorian calendar. The narrative of Draupadi (the wife of the Pandavas) and her journey to prove her love and devotion by walking through fire after being humiliated by the Kauravas is the highlight of the festival.

Read more on:
https://www.filmingindo.com/blog-post/thimithi-festival-fire-walking-ceremony-and-mahabharata-reading-two-important-rituals-of-tamil-nadu-india/

# data[].attributes.body
Baby Tossing (India)

In the southern Indian state of Karnataka, newborn babies are dropped from a 50 feet high temple to “bring well-being and fortune to lives.”

Read more on: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/29/world/what-in-the-world/for-babies-in-india-a-30-foot-plunge-for-good-luck.html

# data[].attributes.body
The Naked Run: Nøgenløbet Roskilde

An annual and bizarre competition in Denmark since 1999 has launched where everyone is set to run naked around the campsite every Sunday of the Roskilde Festival. This eight-day festival is purely about fun and entertainment, and each winner from the male and female category will be given a free ticket to participate again in the next festival.

References:
https://europeisnotdead.com/european-weird-traditions/
https://chillisauce.com/blog/post-d1b1c0dc4455fdf809ed

# data[].attributes.body
OBEAH in JAMAICA
Obeah is a belief system in Jamaica that is officially banned, though it is rare for anyone to be convicted for practicing it. It's a type of black magic, and people will seek obeah to curse an enemy (or protect themselves from one), bring them luck, or heal them.

Read more on :
https://www.historyworkshop.org.uk/the-racist-history-of-jamaicas-obeah-laws/

# data[].attributes.body
The Caber Toss (Scotland)

Caber is a large tapered pole being tossed to turn end over end for a traditional athletic event in Scotland. It is said to originate a few hundred years ago; however, instead of natives competing, caber toss was used to train warriors for battle during earlier periods.

Read more on:
https://europeisnotdead.com/european-weird-traditions/

# data[].attributes.body
Maasai Lion Hunting

As a Maasai boy child, you will be spat on and told that you are of no use. When you reach the age of 14, you will be considered a Moran, and it is expected of you to prove your manhood by hunting down a lion.

For more information: http://www.maasai-association.org/lion.html

# data[].attributes.body
"The long Christmas season"

Puerto Rico takes pride in having the longest holiday season in the world.

On the Island, la Navidad lasts around 45 days, starting right after Thanksgiving Day in November, extending through mid-January, and culminating with the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, also known as la SanSe.

Learn more:
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/holiday-traditions-puerto-rico

# data[].attributes.body
For the San people of Africa, dance is considered as a sacred power that it heals people with physical illnesses. These people gather for plenty of hours to do the tradition which is usually led by healers and the elders of their community.

For more info: https://blog.rhinoafrica.com/2018/08/13/7-amazing-african-tribal-traditions/

# data[].attributes.body
Facekinis: (Originated from China, created in 2004 by Zhang Shifan.)

A full faced mask worn like a Balaclava that's suitable for outdoor activities, in which case its mostly used for swimming activities. The facekini was used as protection to the sun's rays as well as irritants such as insects and jellyfish stings, but some Chinese citizens use them with an intention to preserve pale skin.

Here are two links about the product, one is solely about the product itself, the other about the Chinese's beliefs about pale skin.

https://www.goldthread2.com/culture/zhang-shifan-facekini-inventor-interview/article/3029897

https://asiasociety.org/blog/asia/china-long-tradition-dodging-sun-photos

# data[].attributes.body
Burning of "Judas Dolls" in Panama

Judas Dolls are a representation of everything you would like to forget about the previous year. On New Year's Eve, they are filled with fireworks and are set off at midnight. Burning them is a symbol of a fresh start in the new year.

Read more on:
https://www.choosepanama.com/blog/celebrating-new-years-in-panama

# data[].attributes.body
Kerik Gigi (Indonesia)

Kerik Gigi is a tradition of the Mentawai ethnic tribe from Indonesia, in which they sharpen or scrape their teeth. In fact, modifying the body is one of their approach to achieve satisfaction and contentment for both the soul and the body. For Mentawai tribe, this practice represents beauty because for them the sharper the teeth, the more attractive a lady. They also considered it as a reflection of women's maturity.

Read more on:
https://www.yoair.com/blog/anthropology-11-fascinating-cultural-rituals-and-customs-in-indonesia/

# data[].attributes.body
Busójárás

Busójárás is Hungary's wildest event, combining pagan rituals, folk dancing, and demonic masks. In the small town of Mohács, a wild carnival is celebrated in February to ward off the last days of winter, but it's also a celebration of life for the local Croatian minority (okci).

Hundreds of busós — townspeople dressed as monstrous creatures – arrive in rowboats on the Danube and then march through the streets in horse-drawn carriages, reenacting the 16th century Battle of Mohacs. There are a variety of themed events to participate in, in addition to the main parade, as well as plenty of spiced wine and pálinka (traditional fruit brandy) to warm up those chilly days.

Read more on:
https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/bus-festivities-at-mohcs-masked-end-of-winter-carnival-custom-00252

# data[].attributes.body
Snow Celebrations- Paraguay

It explains the novelty of the faux snow spray cans that are such an integral part of the local carnival celebrations. If you’re joining this street party, you may be sprayed in the face with “snow,” or you could be doused with shaving cream, or you might get your clothes stained with white paint.

https://prezi.com/o9cl0zunw4ka/paraguays-winter-holidays/

# data[].attributes.body
Dead Good Fun ( Spain )

- This festival is held in Santa Marta, Spain during 29th of July, annually. The main concept of this festivity is that people who had an illnessses or experienced accident and miraculously survived during that time are paraded in coffins through different streets of the said place.

They do this tradition to give thanks to Santa Marta, the patron of lives and to God. Similar with Filipino culture, the coffins are followed by their friends, family and relatives dressed in black.

The festival are also incorporated with different stalls like farmer selling their products and other traditional foods. They also have live bands and performances to patronize tourist to stay in their place.

References :

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/travel/2018/jun/02/20-great-traditional-festivals-europe-france-spain-greece-sweden

https://www.google.com/amp/s/traveltriangle.com/blog/festivals-in-europe/amp/

# data[].attributes.body
Tailgate Parties (originated from New Jersey)

Tailgate party is a social gathering that is practiced where food and drinks are served either at the back of the vehicle or near it, it is usually done at a parking lot. Most of the time this party occurs either before or after a massive event such as a live concert or a sports game.

To find out more about how it has come to be, you may click the link to know more about its history:

https://www.milehighreport.com/2010/11/5/1796254/the-tailgate-party-a-brief-history

# data[].attributes.body
Santeria Religion (Cuba)

Santeria is a religion that focus on building a relationship between its faithful followers and Orishas, which are powerful, but mortal, spirits. The religion emerged from Cuba during the 17th century and has no form literary piece or sculpture. Instead, the religion was passed on by word-of-mouth.

To know more insteresting things about the religion, read here:

https://www.anywhere.com/cuba/travel-guide/santeria

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Santería's roots can be traced to the Lucumí religion, which was practiced by the Yoruba tribes of modern-day Benin and Nigeria. Slaves from West Africa were imported to Cuba in the 17th century, and they brought their religious tradition with them. The slaves were banned from practicing their own religion, so they disguised their gods as Catholic figures and continued to pray to them as they pleased. As such, in Santería - the name means Way of the Saints - Catholic saints represent Yoruban divine beings, known as orishas.

For centuries, Santería - which is also known as the Regla de Ocha - was practiced in secret, and survived orally from one generation to another. After the Revolution, Santería was openly acknowledged but was criticized by the government as being folksy witchcraft. In the 1980s, there was a resurgence of interest in Santería, and today it enjoys widespread appeal throughout much of Cuba. It's estimated that up to 80 percent of the Cuban population follows some Santería practices.

Fidel Castro is even rumored to be a believer. That may be in part due to an auspicious event that happened during his victory speech on January 8, 1959. While Fidel was addressing the crowd, two doves flew over the podium, and one of them landed on his shoulder. Doves are symbols of Obatalá, the son of God in Santería. Not surprisingly, many people took this as a sign that God wanted Fidel to lead Cuba.

The combining of concepts and terminology from different religions - in this case, from Catholicism and the Lucumí religion - is called religious syncretism. In the minds of many Cubans, the two religions parallel one another, rather than existing as one unified religion. They also don't see contradictions between the two faiths. Practitioners attend Catholic mass and might even baptize their children, while also practicing forms of Lucumí in their home. In the house of a Santero, you might find statues of Catholic saints alongside orisha symbols.

Beliefs

Santería followers believe that one God created the universe and that the world is cared for by lesser divine beings known as orishas. Similar to ancient Greek gods, the orishas represent various forces of nature along with certain human characteristics-for example, Yemayá is the orisha of the sea and motherhood.

The orishas are thought to perform miracles for adherents, and can also be blamed for unfortunate events. If an individual has consistently bad luck, they must appease their orisha to achieve harmony and balance in their life. The followers, however, can't communicate directly with these divine beings. Santería priests, known as babalawos, act as intermediaries in the religion. They interpret the will of the gods using divination, which involves an elaborate ceremony that often includes rum, drums, cigars, and animal sacrifice. The relationship with the Santeros is also beneficial to the orishas-they only continue to exist if humans worship them. The orishas are thus not immortal, but depend on human devotion and sacrifice to survive.

Strolling through the streets of Cuba, you'll occasionally come across people wearing all white clothing-chances are these people are going through their Santería initiation. People of all ages can choose to follow Santería, with an initiation process that sets the follower on la regla de ocha (the way of orishas). The initiations are ritualistic and involve elaborate ceremonies. Followers are required to stay inside at night for an entire year and only dress in white. No one is allowed to touch the follower aside from family members or lovers.

Every follower is assigned to an orisha who will guide him or her throughout life. There are around 400 orishas, but only 20 are regularly worshiped in Cuba. There's Ochún, who wears yellow and is associated with the Virgen de la Caridad (the Virgin of Charity). If you visit the El Cobre Cathedral, you'll see followers sporting yellow clothes and wearing yellow and white beads in homage to Ochún. Changó is another popular saint. The saint of fire and war, he is often seen carrying a double-headed axe and is associated with red and white. His Catholic avatar is Santa Barbara.

Obatalá, the goddess of creation and peace, dresses in white and associated with the Virgen de la Merced (the Virgin of Mercy). Yemayá rules the ocean and is the goddess of motherhood. Not surprisingly, she wears blue and white, and is associated with the Virgen de Regla. Santeros often have statues of saints in their home, and may even have an altar where pastries, candles, fruits, and coins are offered to their orisha.

There are no official churches or temples in the religion. As such, ceremonies and rituals are usually performed at home or in public.

And because Santería lacks scriptures, the whole faith is passed down orally. This is why ceremonies and rites are so important.

Exploring Santería in Cuba

Santería is popular throughout all of Cuba, but the cities of Santiago, Matanzas, and Havana have the largest number of followers. In each of these places, there are opportunities to learn more about the religion.

Santiago has a high concentration of Afro-Cubans, and not surprisingly, a large number of Santeros. While here, you can sometimes see Santería ceremonies being performed in Plaza Dolores-these usually include dancing, chanting, and drumming. There are small side streets in Santiago that are lined with stands selling items used in ceremonies, including feathers, candles, bones, stones, herbs, and live animals. Feel free to ask people about the religion and, if given permission, take photographs.

Visits to the cathedral at El Cobre, which is about 15 miles (23 km) from Santiago, will also be instructive. Many Santeros make the journey here to pray to Ochún, a.k.a. the Virgen of Charity, who is enshrined in a glass case above the church altar. While here, you'll see people wearing yellow clothes and buying sunflowers in honor of Ochún. This cathedral is very special to Catholics too, and thus offers travelers a fascinating look at the intersection between Catholicism and Santería.

In Regla, a neighborhood on the eastern side of the Havana harbor, you'll often see Santería shrines in front of homes. A number of babalawos live in Regla, and while here, it's possible to have them give you advice for a small fee. You might also visit Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Regla, which hosts the black Virgen de Regla, who is associated with Yemayá and is the patron saint of sailors. The neighboring town of Guanabacoa is also an important center for Santería. In fact, when Santeros find themselves in a difficult position, they sometimes say that they are going to have to go to Guanabacoa to find a babalawo to help solve their problems.

A large number of slaves were imported to Cuba via Matanzas during the 19th century, and Santería gained a strong following here. To this day, the city is an important site for Santería followers. At the Museo de la Ruta del Esclavo, you can explore a room dedicated to Santería and other Afro-Cuban religions; there are even life-sizes models of orishas.

While in Cuba, you may be able to witness private Santería ceremonies. These aren't widely held for tourists, but if you really want to learn more about Santería, you may be able to have a local Santero arrange a ceremony for you. The ceremonies are sensual, powerful affairs, where men kill pigeons and roosters, smoke cigars, spit rum, and play drums. It's unlike anything you've probably ever seen. If you do participate in one of these ceremonies, be sure to tip the babalawo afterwards-this not only pays for his time and effort, but also helps reimburse the costs of the ceremony, which includes the animals, rum, cigars, and more.

When interacting with Santeros, please be respectful of their religion. If you watch a ceremony or take photographs, it's customary to offer a tip afterwards. For longer ceremonies, you should be prepared to tip CUC20 or more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Santería's roots can be traced to the Lucumí religion, which was practiced by the Yoruba tribes of modern-day Benin and Nigeria. Slaves from West Africa were imported to Cuba in the 17th century, and they brought their religious tradition with them.

# data[].attributes.body
"New Year in a Cemetery"

In Chile, people hangout in a cemetery as soon as the church mass is over to wait for the New Year. It was done to spend some time with their deceased loved ones and honor their existence.

https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.5852250&ved=2ahUKEwjf59qBoKv0AhVwklYBHVX8ATYQFnoECDAQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2O26vFU13Re4MIfut2TlIo&ampcf=1

# data[].attributes.body
"First Seal Hunt" (Greenland)

Killing and capturing one's first seal is a rite of passage of a 13-year-old boy, or sometimes as young as six years in a hunting settlement signifies the first step to the course of manhood. Presently, the slaughtering procedure includes the killing of seals using rifles, cleaning, prepping, and butchering.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/42871295
https://www.greenland.is/blog/inuit-traditions/

# data[].attributes.body
Gai Jatra

A popular celebration in Nepal, it means "festival of the cows". Any person that lost a family member leading up to the festival leads a cow in the parade. If one doesn't have a cow, a child dressed as a cow will be led instead. Children may be fed milk, or given money or gifts. Cows are used since they are sacred to the Hindu religion. According to the tradition, the cows in the parade help usher people's ancestors into heaven. Even though it commemorates the dead, it is not fully a sad event. Some people make jokes and have a great time after the event.

Read more about the celebration here:
https://www.spotlightnepal.com/2021/08/2/gai-jatra-festival-2021-importance-and-significance/
https://english.onlinekhabar.com/gai-jatra-nepals-festival-that-celebrates-death.html

# data[].attributes.body
KANAMARA MATSURI OR FESTIVAL OF THE IRON PHALLUS in JAPAN
Kanamara Matsuri, taking place every year in April in Kawasaki, is a Japanese spring festival held as a prayer for fertility, smooth marital relationships and business prosperity. In recent years, it caused a sensation in Japan and abroad being introduced as a "penis festival" and has also gathered attention as a major event in the LGBT+ social calendar.

Read more on:
https://matcha-jp.com/en/5732

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Cordova Ice worm Festival (Cordova, Alaska) 

# data[].attributes.body
The Cordova Ice worm Festival is held every late January to early February to lift the people's spirits and bring the community together. The festival comprises events such as a parade, fireworks, baby ice worm birthday party, sports tournament, and chili cook-off, which creates joy and attracts people worldwide.

Learn more:
https://www.alaska.org/detail/cordova-iceworm-festival
https://www.icewormfestival.com/thefestival

# data[].attributes.body
“Partita a Scacchi”, Marostica, Italy

An even conducted every 2 years on september in Marostica Italy. It is basically a human chess game. It originated from a legend from the 15th century where two gentlemen duel each other over a woman. But the father of the woman who is also the lord of the town decided to make them duel in a game of chess. The winner will get to marry his daughter.

read more on: https://www.marosticascacchi.it/en/#1

# data[].attributes.body
Voodoo (Vodou) Ceremony in Haiti
The Haitian Voodoo Ceremony is a nature-honoring ritual in Haiti where believers gather to communicate with spirits (the Loa), and where a priest or a priestess offers sacrifices to embody the Loa and their messages. It believes in the idea of spirits running the universe instead of one god, which developed between the 16th and 19th centuries within the groups of African slaves disguised as Catholics. This ritual usually begins with a Catholic prayer because Voodoo (Vodou) was not recognized as a religion before and until April 2003.

Read more:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/haiti-ancient-traditions-voodoo

# data[].attributes.body
Every year at the end of October, the Mayan villagers of Todos Santos in the country of Guatemala throws a celebration of independence that last for a week. Barely sleeping, the people dance and drink for days and send the bravest men in town to face each other in the drunken horse racing.

Learn more:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vice.com/amp/en/article/new598/the-drunken-horse-races-of-guatemala

# data[].attributes.body
Carnival of Ivrea
The battle of Oranges is the largest food fight in the world, with more than 500,000 pounds of food that have covered the people and the street of Ivrea. It symbolizes the revolt about the myth of the horrible Marquis, who tried to rape a woman. After he died the people in town rises a three whole days citrus fight.

Read more  on: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/battle-of-the-oranges

a

# data[].attributes.body
Annual Bathtub Race in Canada

Every summer, the annual aquatic tradition is held as part of the Nanaimo Marine Festival, which takes place over the course of a weekend.

It's taken seriously enough that the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society organizes it every year, complete with concerts, art workshops, a slew of vendors, and other events.

https://www.thetravel.com/20-seriously-weird-things-that-only-happen-in-canada/

# data[].attributes.body
New Year's Levee (Canada)

A dated European tradition, Canada is now the only country that participates in the New Year’s Levee. The tradition began in Canada in the 1600s. It’s an event held by each province’s lieutenant governor and the governor general to mark the start of a new year and to allow citizens to pay their respects.

Read more on:
[1] https://www.manitobalg.ca/history/new-years-day-levee-history/
[2]
https://everything.explained.today/New_Year%27s_levee/

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Paantu Punaha Festival: Where Mud-Covered Men Scare Children and Smear Mud as a Blessing

# data[].attributes.body
Paantu Punaha festival is fun for everyone but scary for children. It's held in  Miyakojima City, Okinawa yearly as men, clad in leaves, vine and some sort of root, are covered in black mud. Carrying sticks and masks, they scare the hell out of children until the kids cry. The Mud men also approach and smear adults, new buildings and cars to bless and bring good luck.

Read more on:
https://jpninfo.com/92243

# data[].attributes.body
Sky Burial (Tibet)

Sky burial is a practice wherein the body of a community member who has passed away is chopped into pieces and taken to an area with high elevation. This practice roots from the belief that after death, the physical body should not have any trace.

Read more about this practice on: https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/gravematters/2017/02/13/tibetan-sky-burials/

# data[].attributes.body
HOKKAI HESO MATSURI (BELLY BUTTON FESTIVAL) in FURANO, HOKKAIDO(JAPAN)

Hokkai Heso Matsuri, also known as the Belly Button Festival, is a fun-filled celebration that began in the city of Furano around 1969 as a basic dance festival, but subsequently evolved into a comedic and artistic event with the goal of bringing togetherness through laughing. The event's major attraction is the bizarre and magnificent stomach-art dance, which was inspired by Suzuran retail area residents who recommended that "we need something distinctive for our festival, something that brings the bellybutton to life."

Read more on:
https://www.furano.ne.jp/hesomatsuri/en/story.html
https://jpninfo.com/82119

# data[].attributes.body
In Texas, marriages by proxy are perfectly legal. In other words, if you have a legitimate reason for absence - you can send someone to get married in your place, as long as you have all the right documentation.

Learn more:
https://www.usatoday.com/list/news/nation-now/weirdest-laws-every-state/53ad0541-3518-4432-adc4-0fec193d389e/