Unusual Asian Festivals You've Never Heard Of

Have you ever wondered what some of the most unusual festivals in Asia are? From ancient rituals to modern celebrations, Asia has some of the most unique festivals in the world. If you’re looking for something truly special and out of the ordinary, then these unusual Asian festivals will be sure to surprise and delight you. From Mud Festival in Korea to the Temple Fair in China, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Read on to learn more about these amazing and unique festivals in Asia.

Boryeong Mud Festival, South Korea

One of the most unique and unusual festivals in Asia is the Boryeong Mud Festival, located in South Korea. It is held every year during July and August at Daecheon Beach in South Chungcheong Province.

At the festival, visitors are encouraged to get down and dirty as they play in mud pools and slide down mud slides. The mud is said to be rich in minerals and is used to create various products like soap, shampoo, and lotion.

In addition to playing in mud, there are other activities available such as music performances, cultural activities, food stalls, and more. Visitors can also enjoy beach sports such as volleyball and swimming. The festival also has fireworks displays for those who stay until nightfall.

For a truly unique experience, be sure to check out the Boryeong Mud Festival!

Lantern Festival, Taiwan

The Lantern Festival in Taiwan is a unique and vibrant celebration that takes place annually. This festival dates back over 2,000 years and is held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, usually in February or March. During this festival, the streets are lit up with thousands of dazzling lanterns of all shapes and sizes.

In addition to the beautiful lantern displays, the Lantern Festival also features traditional Chinese performances such as lion dances, dragon dances, drum performances, and traditional puppet shows. It is a time for families to come together to celebrate and show appreciation for each other’s company.

The highlight of the Lantern Festival is the release of wishes, where locals write their wishes on a piece of paper and attach it to a brightly colored lantern. These wishes are then released into the night sky, lighting up the darkness and representing the hope of good fortune in the coming year.

This festival is a must-see for anyone looking to experience a unique cultural experience. Whether it’s seeing the intricate lantern designs or taking part in the ancient traditions, it’s an event that you won’t soon forget!

Hungry Ghost Festival, Singapore

One of the most unusual festivals in Asia is the Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore. This festival occurs during the seventh lunar month, usually during the months of August and September. During this time, the gates of hell are believed to open, allowing hungry ghosts to roam the earth.

To appease these ghosts and ensure they do not cause trouble, offerings such as food, incense, and paper money are made. These offerings are made at temple altars and are meant to provide a safe passage for the ghosts back to hell. It is also believed that the offerings will bring good luck to those who make them.

The festival is celebrated with traditional rituals such as burning paper money and joss sticks, as well as with operas and parades. At night, people gather in parks and other public places to burn joss paper and watch Chinese operas. Some local superstitions also say that one should avoid walking alone or going out at night during this time in order to avoid any mischievous spirits.

No matter how you choose to celebrate it, the Hungry Ghost Festival is a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. From the colorful offerings to the lively parades, it’s an unforgettable part of Asian culture that will stay with you forever.

Bean-Throwing Festival, Japan

The Bean-Throwing Festival, or Setsubun, is one of the most unusual festivals in Asia. Celebrated in Japan, it occurs every year on February 3rd to mark the end of winter and the start of spring.

The main activity at the festival is throwing beans, which are considered a symbol of good luck. Participants throw roasted soybeans outside their homes and at temples, shouting Demons out! Luck in! Afterwards, they eat the same number of beans as their age to bring good luck. In addition, many people also wear traditional Oni masks during the festival.

At temples, special events take place with members of the temple dressed as demons or ogres, while priests and other participants throw the beans at them. Afterward, traditional mochi rice cakes and other treats are distributed to participants.

The Bean-Throwing Festival is a fun way to celebrate the start of spring and to bring good luck to all. If you ever have a chance to attend this unique festival, make sure to join in the fun and throw some beans!

Temple Fair, China

The Temple Fair is an annual event held in the city of Beijing, China. During this time, people gather at temples to celebrate and pay homage to their ancestors. But what makes this festival truly unique is that it also serves as a venue for all sorts of activities such as music, theater, martial arts, acrobatics, and more.

At the center of the festival lies a lively market full of goods from all over the country. Here you can find all sorts of items from food and clothing to trinkets and souvenirs. Vendors and performers alike flock to the Temple Fair to show off their wares and entertain crowds.

One of the most popular attractions of the festival are the outdoor theatrical performances known as bian lian. It is a traditional Chinese art of face-changing that requires great skill and concentration. Performers use colorful masks and costumes to transform themselves in a matter of seconds and create an amazing spectacle.

The Temple Fair is a great way to get a glimpse into traditional Chinese culture and have fun at the same time. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or just want to watch some unique performances, it’s definitely a must-visit during your trip to Beijing.

If you want to learn more about Asian culture, you don’t have to travel far. There are many Asian cultural events and workshops you can join in London. Every month, we list these events and workshops on our Instagram channel(@dearasia_london). At Dear Asia London, we also celebrate key festivals, where we welcome not only our students but also the public. Find our events open to the public here.