Spain: La Tomatina
In the city of Bunol, a huge food fight is held on August 30. Over 35,000 people gather to throw 240,000 pounds of tomatoes at each other for two hours! The Tomato Festival starts each year with a contest where competitors race up a greased pole to reach a ham at the top. Then trucks come in with tomatoes and dump them on the village streets! The tradition supposedly began in 1945 when a fight between two young people expanded to the vegetable stand nearby, and they started throwing tomatoes at each other.
China: Festival of Hungry Ghosts
In China, the Festival of Hungry Ghosts, or the Chung Yuan Festival, is held on August 8. According to legend, hungry ghosts are freed to wander the Earth. These ghosts are believed to be the souls of people who died with no one to bury them. The people offer food and gifts to the spirits. They celebrate this festival to honor their family members who have died.
England: Battle of Flowers
On August 10 and 11, the Jersey Channel Islands in England go into battle and celebrate the Battle of Flowers. Floats are decorated with hundreds of flowers, and people come from all over to see the beautiful parade. The event was first held in 1902 to celebrate the coronation of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. Since then, the festival has undergone some changes. The original custom of ripping up the exhibits and throwing flowers at your friends is no longer part of the battle.
