The Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival is arguably Japan’s most famous summer dance event, featuring thousands of ren (dancers) performing the unique, energetic Awa Odori style throughout Tokushima City. The main attraction is the non-stop street parade, set to a distinct traditional rhythm, showcasing contrasting high-stepping men’s movements and graceful women’s dances.

The Ballater Highland Games is a rugged Scottish sports and heritage event held in a green valley near Balmoral Castle. Since 1864, it has featured kilted athletes throwing massive logs, bagpipe duels, and traditional dancing. Known as “The Friendly Games,” it offers a raw, unpolished look at Highland culture, where local clansmen and elite competitors share the same field.

Kandy Esala Perahera is an event during which Sinhalese people show their appreciation for the Lord Buddha. The central element of the festivity is the Sacred Tooth – an alleged piece of the Buddha’s earthly remains. They start having this event more than 1000 years ago. During all these years many traditions were created and many others were forgotten. But because this event is so old, it manages, at least for 10 days a year, to keep alive the most important of them.

The Zheravna Festival of the National Costume is a massive gathering where 19th-century village life is recreated. To preserve an authentic atmosphere, traditional clothing is mandatory for all participants, while modern technology and items are strictly restricted. The event features spontaneous folk dancing that keeps the energy high throughout the day, hearty traditional food served in clay dishes, and a busy market filled with master craftsmen demonstrating traditional skills.

La Tomatina is a world-famous event where the small town of Buñol turns into a giant arena for a one-hour tomato fight. The battle begins after someone climbs a greased pole to grab a ham, triggering a chaotic mess with over 150 tons of tomatoes. Thousands of people join this unique tradition, throwing tomatoes until the streets turn into a red sea of tomato pulp.

Documentation in progress.