SEPTEMBER
Feria de Cascamorras, Spain
Festivals don’t get much slimier than this traditional celebration in Andalucia.
DECEMBER
Great balls of fire, Scotland
Take that, health and safety people! Another foolhardy British tradition – this time with huge fireballs and a whole lot of flammable kilts – lives on.
DECEMBER
Comedy football match, England
A festive fancy dress football match between fishermen and fireman in Scarborough, with a dunking for the losers.
DECEMBER
Tar barrels parade, England
The brave villagers of Allendale in Northumberland celebrate New Year with some rather spectacular headgear.
DECEMBER
Grantchester barrel rolling, England
This sleepy little Cambridgeshire village barrels into life on Boxing Day.
FEBRUARY
Battle of the Oranges, Italy
Italy’s biggest food fight takes place during the Ivrea Carnival, and yes – citrus fruit is the missile of choice.
Kaiju Big Battel, USA
Monster lovers, maniacs and anime geeks – this is the spectator sport for you.
NOVEMBER
Elephant Roundup, Thailand
The largest living land animal playing football, running races, painting and re-enacting battles.
JANUARY
Up Helly Aa, Scotland
Mix Scottish and Viking traditions and you get one seriously big fire festival.
Warrior Dash, USA
Who’s scared of a little mud? No? How about gallons of it, raging fires and wannabe Vikings snapping at your heels?
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