the world's wackiest holidays

The World's Wackiest Holidays

from Gimundo

It's that time of year again when the temperature drops, the leaves change color and the holiday season kicks into full gear. There will be pumpkin carving, pie baking, tree decorating – and poncho wearing?

Everyone knows about Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas. But did you know there are tons of other strange and unusual holidays happening every day all over the world?

Today, Oct 9th, just happens to be Moldy Cheese Day. Sure, it doesn't sound all that appetizing, but anyone that's had a beautiful Brie, Roquefort, Gorgonzola or Camembert knows it's all about the mold. So go ahead and indulge in the rich, artery-aching, stinky stuff – today, you have the world's blessing.

It's not the only food-filled holiday on the calendar: You can also look forward to National Deviled Egg Day (November 2nd), Sandwich Day (November 3rd), National Pie Day (December 1st), National Hamburger Day (December 21st) and National Chocolate Day (December 28th). Other fun gourmet holidays include National Popcorn Day (January 19th), National Potato Chip Day (March 14th), National Pigs-in-a-blanket Day (April 24th), National Ice Cream Day (July 18th) and National Pancake Day (September 26th). But where is National Alka-Seltzer Day?

Does your boss have you feeling so frustrated you could scream? Well, this Friday (October 12th), go ahead and yell your heart out: It's International Moment of Frustration Scream Day, where exasperated folks all across the world let off a little steam by going outside and screaming their heads off for 30 seconds.

Still later this month, Britney can look forward to National Be Bald and Be Free Day on the 14th. On the 25th is Punk for a Day, and the 26th is National Mule Day.

Personally, we've marked our calendars for Bathtub Party Day (December 5th), Festival Of Sleep Day (January 3rd), Compliment Day (January 24th), If Pets Had Thumbs Day (March 3), National Goof-Off Day (March 22), National Relaxation Day (August 15th) and Wiggle Your Toes Day (August 6th).

Across the globe, the holidays are equally odd. On May 25th, Colombians in Nobsa celebrate International Poncho Day. The holiday and annual parade was designed to promote the work of local artisans who weave traditional wool ponchos.

On the last Wednesday in August, the Valencia region of Spain celebrates Tomatina Day. Thousands of people come to the town of Bunol to pelt each other in the world's largest tomato food fight. Over 250 pounds of tomatoes are tossed in a span of 60 minutes.

In the Lopburi province of Thailand, residents celebrate the Monkey Buffet on November 26th. Every year, all of the province's approximately 600 monkeys are invited to eat fruits and vegetables during an annual feast held in honor of Rama, a hero of the Ramayana. Rama, it is said, rewarded his friend and ally, Hanuman the Monkey King, with the fiefdom of what is now Lopburi.

Original story by Katie Ann Rosen