Feature photo: ezioman
I had this idea of compiling some of the strangest public events around the world. Turns out Finland’s done me a huge favour by playing host to all of them.
It’s debatable why the Finnish seem to have a knack for the wack; could be their sense of humour or creativity. Or, maybe there isn’t a bloody thing to do there.
Whatever the case, there’s no doubt they provide some serious entertainment to those of us who like things a little out of the ordinary.
Check out the below videos of some of Finland’s craziest contests. If you find yourself in the Land of a Thousand Lakes, do your best to see one of these. I know I will.
Swamp Soccer
This sport originated in Finland, supposedly by some cross-country skiers who needed some way to train in the summer. Soccer. Swamps. It was an obvious choice.
2009’s event takes place September 17-18 in Ukkohalla.
Air Guitar
Way before Guitar Hero, we were riffin’ along with the likes of Jimmy Page, Kirk Hammet, and Eddie Van Halen. No musical talent required, but a flair for flamboyancy is a must.
This competition is part of the Oulu Music Video Festival. The 14th annual World Air Guitar Championships is set to rock out between August 19-21.
Wife Carrying
They say the roots of this “sport” came from the caveman days; when the men used to carry a big club over one shoulder and drag their women by the hair with the other hand. Or at least that’s what cartoons have taught me.
Another 14th birthday for a Finnish “pastime”, this year’s Wife Carrying World Championships is on July 4 in Sonkajarvi.
Mobile Phone Throwing
Everyone’s fantasy at one time or another. Definitely Russell Crowe’s (ba-dum-chhh!).
The municipality of Punkaharju is home to the Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships, chuckin’ it down on August 22.
Winter Swimming
Brrr…I get shrinkage just watching this clip.
A bit late for this year’s icy event, the Finnish Winter Swimming Championships are held in the town of Imatra in February.
What are some of the strange events you’ve attended or even partaken in? Tell us below!
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10 Comments... join the discussion!
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Abso-freakin-lute-ley hilarious.
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Laugh or cry… laugh or cry … laugh or cry
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Hilarious–and perfect for a Friday–post.
Although I can’t think of any specific festivals from my southern upbringing, reading, Julie’s mention of a Pig Pickin’ Festival reminded me of all the pig pickin’s I went to over the years, watching the pig go ’round on a spit in some tobacco field…ah, memories of eastern North Carolina…
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Finland…who knew!?
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Julie, my wife loves cows. That Mighty Moo Festival would be right up her alley!
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You should also add Sauna World Championships
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv0YGOD_A50
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Thanks for that. I actually did have it in there, but the only decent clip I found didn’t allow embedding – I never saw this one! I think because “sauna” isn’t a tag.
I can certainly relate (a little) to that, in Russia I went in a banya and it wasn’t even close to 100 C, but it was way too hot for me!
Cheers!
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We are a bit crazy civilization
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Zuhipjp5c
Here’s a good one. There is an annual mullet toss across the Florida-Alabama state line. You gotta love the south.
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