It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
And what better way to greet it than with giant ostriches, fried caterpillars, radish carvings and decorated horse skulls?
These are just a few of the weird Christmas attractions featured in our list of 10 Weird and Wonderful Holiday Traditions Around the World.
Scroll down to learn more about the customs that include shouting “Sleigh, eh?”
Sweden – Giant goat to take home
The city of Gävle in Sweden is perhaps best known for being home to a giant ostrich. Established every year around Christmas
Every year, a 13 meter high straw goat is built on Slottstorget Castle Square in Gävle, Sweden.
It’s a young tradition – only dating back to 1966 – and the structure is the brainchild of advertising consultant Stig Gavlén, who enjoyed building a version of the Swedish Christmas goat.
In addition to the goat’s construction, a festive sub-tradition of attack arose. Since 1966, there has been an attempted abduction by helicopter, a run-over by a car and (illegal) attempts to set the massive structure on fire almost every year.
Another (less criminal) Scandinavian tradition is to tune into Sweden’s largest public television station on Christmas Eve for an episode of Walt Disney’s Donald Duck.
Mexico – Night of the Radishes
Forget Carving the Christmas Turkey: In Oaxaca, Mexico, Celebrations Begin with Carving Radishes
In Oaxaca, Mexico, every December there is a radish cutting competition called “The Night of the Radishes.”
The bizarre tradition dates back to 1897, when market traders made sculptures of their produce to attract buyers. Now thousands gather in the city’s main square for the annual festival.
Contestants transform the oversized vegetables into fantastical scenes – often religious in nature – and compete for a cash prize.
Austria, Germany and Eastern Europe – Krampus
St. Nicholas’ evil rival, Krampus, appears around Christmas in Austria, Germany and Eastern Europe to scare mischievous teenagers
In many countries, people like Santa Claus or Sinterklaas come with gifts for children.
However, a threatening counterpart is emerging in Austria, Germany and parts of Eastern Europe.
A strange half-goat, half-demon hybrid, Krampus, is said to roam the streets with a wicker basket in search of mischievous youths.
South Africa – fried caterpillars
In South Africa, fried emperor moth caterpillars are served as an appetizer on Christmas Day
Nothing says Christmas like fried caterpillars.
Although more similar to a bush method, emperor moth caterpillars are cooked by South Africans on Christmas Day.
According to Atlas Obscura, the crunchy snacks are highly nutritious and have a taste reminiscent of tea.
Czech Republic – Throw shoes
Shoe throwing is a festive tradition in the Czech Republic where the ritual indicates whether marriage is possible
In the Czech Republic, single women are believed to be able to predict whether they will marry in the coming year through a festive ritual involving the tradition of throwing away shoes.
The shoe is thrown over the shoulder and if it lands with the heel towards the door, the thrower is considered single. But if the toe points to the door, wedding preparations may be underway.
To enjoy the unique tradition, First Choice recommends a flight to Prague.
Italy – La Befana
Aside from Saint Nicholas, Italy’s most popular gift giver is La Befana, an old witch. The photo shows people dressed as witches during a boat race in Venice called the Befana Regatta.
In Italy, the end of Christmas is celebrated on January 6, Epiphany.
The night before, La Befana, a friendly witch, brings sweets and goodies for well-behaved children. While naughty children get pieces of coal, onions and garlic or even a straw from their broom instead of rewards.
She wears a dark scarf and enters houses through the chimney – and children will leave food and wine for her.
Spain – red underwear
Many Spaniards wear red underwear to welcome the new year
Although technically a New Year’s tradition, Spanish Christmas lasts until January 5, and many welcome the New Year by wearing red underwear called “bragas rojas.”
The unique use at the end of the year is said to bring good luck for the coming year.
In the town of La Font de la Figuera, near Valencia, there is even a Red Lingerie Run organized where locals take off their clothes regardless of the weather to celebrate the New Year.
Wales – Mari Lwyd
In Wales, a giant horse skull is carried from door to door at Christmas. Image courtesy of Creative Commons Licensing
A well-known Welsh Christmas tradition is Mari Lwyd, which according to Wales.com means “Grey Mare”. This is the name given to a huge horse skull that is carried from door to door by a group of people making music.
The skull is decorated with colorful streamers, lights or balls, as well as a white cloak that hides a person.
Wales.com adds: “You’ll never forget the moment you see a Mari Lwyd for the first time.”
Guatemala – Burning of the Devil
This fiery holiday tradition in Guatemala involves people burning effigies of the devil – and their unwanted goods
Every year on the night of December 7, Guatemalans light bonfires and burn effigies of devils. The Christmas season begins with the fervent celebrations.
The tradition known as “La quema del diablo” also involves people cleaning their homes and throwing their unwanted items into the fire.
Finland – Sunrise aunas
To prepare for the upcoming celebrations, Finns spend Christmas Eve in the sauna. And go back in on Christmas Day
The Christmas sauna is one of the most traditional Finnish rituals.
According to saunafromfinland.com, many Finns have the habit of going to the sauna twice on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The traditional Finnish sauna experience involves cooling off between sessions by soaking in cold pools or rolling in the snow.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
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