As a kid, I was so prone to seriousness that one teacher noted on my report card, “Excellent with fractions. Very serious.” As an adult, I’m still excellent with fractions; however, I’ve learned to balance my seriousness with not-so-serious experiences that bring levity, silliness and joy into my life. Traveling presents so many opportunities for happiness-inducing experiences. If I want to cater to my contemplative and introspective side, visiting the museums and historic sites in big European cities is the ticket. But to bring sheer glee into my travels, I seek out offbeat, unexpected celebrations and festivals. I find they’re a pure ode to joy, and I bet any one of these festivals around the world would make a most serious traveler burst into smiles.
Cheese Rolling Festival
Gloucestershire, England
This first festival takes place right down the road from the fictional location of my favorite British crime drama, Midsomer Murders. And like the show, it’s overflowing with quirky, charismatic characters participating in unusual activities against the backdrop of the charming and verdant English countryside. Travelers seeking joyful experiences should rest assured that the Cheese Rolling Festival does not feature any murders, but instead is a contest that’s sheer bananas as competitors chase plump wheels of cheese down the harrowingly steep Cooper’s Hill in the town of Brockworth.
Divided into men’s, women’s and kids’ races (the kids go uphill instead), the rules are simple: the first person to reach the bottom (along with their cheese) wins. Competitors tumble, ankles get sprained and grass stains abound, but you’ll still be cheering from the sidelines like a maniac along with locals and fellow travelers for the Cheese Rolling Champion. At the end of the day, it will be clear that you’ll carry fond memories of cheese and England with you forever. Extra perk: the festival is an easy day trip from London.
Guisachan Gathering
Tomich, Scotland
Every five years, furry blonde magic descends on the Scottish Highlands as hundreds of Golden Retrievers (and their humans) gather at the Guisachan House, the ancestral birthplace of the breed in 1868. While the humans enjoy a spot of afternoon English tea outdoors, the four-legged stars of the festival are nearby engaging in games, woofing and general doggo activities.
After tea, all species gather as the humans deftly sidestep an array of Kongs and tennis balls and organize their nearly 500 Goldens into a joy-inducing group photo on the lawn of the estate. As evening turns to dusk, the last drops of light ripple across hundreds of dog heads during a torchlight procession from the kennel field to the Guisachan House, rounding out one of the happiest festivals in the world.
P.S. Start planning now — the next gathering is in 2028.
La Batalla del Vino
Haro, Spain
It’s known by several different names, but the outcome of this festival is the same … total wine-drenching pandemonium. The “wine bath” is the jubilant (and fragrant) end note of this Spanish festival that celebrates the Rioja region’s magnificent wines and their importance to the local economy. For the first two days, festival-goers ramp up the celebration with musical performances, food and drinks (aka: wine) and even a Catholic Mass. On the third day of the festival, dignified activities give way to controlled chaos as tourists and locals hike up into the hills to the Hermitage of San Felices and prepare for battle. If you’re a serious wine connoisseur, La Batalla del Vino may leave you feeling appalled as Riojas, chardonnays and an occasional Gewürztraminer are flung from buckets, jugs and water pistols, mingling while airborne, and dousing thousands of gleeful participants. Come to the battle dressed in all white, leave in shades of glorious grape with a side of smiles.
In a world where there’s so much to be serious about, these quirky and offbeat festivals provide a welcome relief, and you will find them nearly anywhere you travel. So loosen up those shoulders, put down the fractions, take a deep breath and add a fun and offbeat festival to your next travel adventure. And prepare for contagious joy. After tea, all species gather as the humans deftly sidestep an array of Kongs and tennis balls and organize their nearly 500 Goldens into a joy-inducing group photo on the lawn of the estate. As evening turns to dusk, the last drops of light ripple across hundreds of dog heads during a torchlight procession from the kennel field to the Guisachan House, rounding out one of the happiest festivals in the world.
P.S. Start planning now — the next gathering is in 2028.
Henley on Todd Regatta
Alice Springs, Australia
Banish any overly serious ideas you have about preppy and pristine regattas, because this Australian festival will literally leave your summer whites in the dust. If you remember the cars from the Flintstones, then you’ll have a good idea of what these races look like as competitors run (not row) a truly ridiculous and splendid array of boats through dry riverbed that was once the Todd River. Pirate ships, Viking ships and bathtubs masquerading as ships kick up clouds of sun-drenched dust as they move slightly faster than a three-legged race toward the finish line.
If you plan to spectate, prepare to rub shoulders with high-spirited, costumed locals and to get soaked … yes, with water. Because the festival culminates in a Mad-Max style battle with trucks-as-boats that are armed with cannons filled with water and flour bombs. Rumor has it that not even the competition judges can escape the water and flour tidal wave and sometimes are not sure who has even won. You may end the day looking like a piece of wet dough, but you’ll be laughing all the way.