Get ready to step into a world of holiday traditions that are as bizarre as they are unforgettable. From quirky to spectacular, these Christmas celebrations around the globe will leave you in awe.
While many countries celebrate Christmas with the jolly figure of Santa Claus, Austria has a rather different character associated with the holiday season. Get ready for “Krampus”! On the night of December 5th, known as Krampusnacht, people dress up as Krampus, a horned creature with a menacing appearance, and roam the streets. It is believed that Krampus punishes misbehaving children, contrasting with Santa Claus who rewards well-behaved children with gifts.
The Krampusnacht celebrations feature parades where participants, dressed as Krampus, chase and scare onlookers. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and a sense of thrill as the sound of bells and chains echo through the streets. This unique tradition adds an element of fear and excitement to the festive season in Austria, making it an experience like no other.
For those seeking the ultimate Christmas experience, a visit to the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, is a must. Located on the Arctic Circle, this magical place is believed to be the official home of Santa Claus.
The Santa Claus Village offers a range of activities and attractions that immerse visitors in the enchanting world of Christmas. From meeting Santa Claus himself to crossing the Arctic Circle, there are endless opportunities for magical experiences. Visitors can also send postcards with the special Arctic Circle postmark, take a reindeer or husky sleigh ride, and explore the unique shops and restaurants.
The Santa Claus Village is a place where dreams come true, making it a popular destination for families and Christmas enthusiasts from around the world. It captures the essence of Christmas and creates a magical atmosphere that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
In Italy, Christmas Eve is marked by a delicious and elaborate feast known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or La Vigilia. This tradition involves preparing and serving a meal that consists of seven different types of seafood dishes. The Feast of the Seven Fishes is deeply rooted in Italian-American heritage and is believed to have originated from the Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on Christmas Eve. The number seven is significant as it represents the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. The feast typically includes dishes such as seafood pasta, fried calamari, grilled fish, and various types of shellfish.
This culinary tradition brings families and friends together to enjoy a sumptuous meal and celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas. Moreover, the Feast of the Seven Fishes showcases the rich cultural heritage of Italy and the importance of food in bringing people together during the holiday season.
When it comes to spectacular Christmas celebrations, the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Philippines, takes the cake. Known as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines", San Fernando hosts an annual competition where different villages compete to create the most dazzling and enormous lanterns.
These lanterns, locally known as "parols," are typically made of bamboo and colourful paper. Each village designs and builds their own parol, incorporating intricate patterns and thousands of lights. The result is a breathtaking display of lights and colours that can reach up to 20 feet in diameter. The Giant Lantern Festival attracts visitors from all over the world who marvel at the creativity and craftsmanship displayed in these magnificent lanterns.
In the city of Oaxaca in Mexico, Christmas takes an artistic turn with the Night of the Radishes, or Noche de Rábanos. This annual event, held on December 23rd, showcases elaborate sculptures carved out of radishes. Farmers and artisans spend hours meticulously carving radishes into intricate shapes, depicting scenes from religious stories or local traditions.
The Night of the Radishes attracts both locals and tourists who come to admire the impressive and creative displays. The event also includes live music, street food, and a festive atmosphere that adds to the overall experience. This unique celebration combines artistry and Christmas spirit, creating a visual spectacle that is truly remarkable.
In Iceland, Christmas takes on a whole new level of quirkiness with the tradition of the Yule Lads. These mischievous characters, believed to be the sons of the mountain-dwelling trolls, visit children in the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. Each Yule Lad has its own unique personality and brings either a reward or a punishment, depending on the child's behaviour. From Door Slammer, who slams doors during the night, to Sausage Swiper, who steals sausages, these mischievous beings add a touch of excitement to the Icelandic Christmas season.
The Yule Lads are not the only unusual aspect of Christmas in Iceland. Another tradition, known as the "Christmas Book Flood", involves giving books as presents on Christmas Eve. This tradition stems from the love of reading in Icelandic culture and has even led to the country being called the "land of books." The Christmas Book Flood has become so popular that it has contributed to Iceland having one of the highest rates of book consumption in the world.
In some parts of the United States, the Christmas Pickle tradition adds a touch of whimsy to the holiday season. According to the tradition, a pickle-shaped ornament is hidden somewhere in the Christmas tree, and the first person to find it receives a special gift or good luck for the following year.
The origin of this tradition is uncertain, with various stories claiming its roots in Germany or even as a marketing ploy by a glass ornament salesman. Regardless of its origin, the Christmas Pickle tradition has remained popular in the United States, and is still embraced by many families (above Elf on the Shelf!) as a fun and quirky Christmas tradition.
If you're looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate Christmas, the Running of the Santas is an event you shouldn't miss! Originating in Philadelphia, United States, this fairly new tradition has spread to various cities around the world, including London, Sydney, and New Orleans.
The Running of the Santas involves participants dressing up as Santa Claus and taking part in a fun run or pub-crawl. The streets are filled with a sea of red and white as thousands of Santas run, walk, or dance their way through the city. The event is accompanied by live music, festive decorations, and a lively atmosphere that brings people together to celebrate the holiday season in a joyful and unconventional way.
Whether it's scaring children with Krampus in Austria, enjoying a feast of seafood in Italy or making Christmas come to life in Finland’s Santa Claus Village, these traditions bring people together and create lasting memories.
So, this Christmas, let's embrace the diversity of celebrations and appreciate the beauty in the strange and wonderful ways people around the world celebrate this joyous season.
Wishing all who celebrate a joyous Christmas season, wherever you are in the world!