Festivals are a universal draw. Droves of people from all corners of the globe travel to celebrate music, food, culture and so much more. But beyond the mainstream, there lies a world of festivals that defy expectations. Forget the cookie-cutter celebrations for a moment and get ready to join the celebrations of the most eccentric and surprising festivals the world has to offer.

BORYEONG MUD FESTIVAL

BORYEONG, SOUTH KOREA

The Boryeong Mud Festival is a no-judgment zone where being clean is overrated and being filthy is the name of the game. Originating in 1998 as a marketing campaign to promote the benefits of Boryeong's natural sea mud products, it has blossomed into a global extravaganza, drawing millions to the coastal town each year.

During the two-week celebration, participants can traverse muddy obstacle courses, engage in spirited mud football matches and relish good-natured mud brawls. For a more serene experience, indulge in therapeutic mud baths and soothing massages, or unleash your artistic side in mud art workshops. As the sun sets, the lively mudslinging continues with dance parties and live music.

COOPER'S HILL CHEESE-ROLLING FESTIVAL

GLOUCESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND

A hill, a wheel of cheese and a horde of fearless and perhaps slightly unhinged competitors tumbling down the hill in pursuit of the big prize. No, it's not a cheese-fueled fever dream — it's the annual cheese-rolling festival in Brockworth, England!

The race is far from a leisurely stroll; the 200-yard hill boasts a 45-degree incline, making the descent a chaotic tumble for both cheese and participants. Some folks have come up with creative ways to gain an edge in the competition. Rumor has it that soaking your clothes with cooking oil can help you slide down faster, although we don't recommend trying this at home.

The first person to catch the cheese or cross the finish line wins the coveted cheese, though the true prize may be bragging rights and an unforgettable experience.

It's no wonder, given the spectacle of people hurling themselves after a wheel of cheese down a dangerously steep hill. And the fact that it has lasted for 200 years speaks to the power of the cheese-rolling community and its sense of tradition and fun.

LA TOMATINA

BUÑOL, SPAIN

Prepare for a tomato-fueled frenzy! La Tomatina, held on the last Wednesday in August, is a massive food fight that paints the town of Buñol red — quite literally.

For a thrilling hour, the streets become a lively battleground, adorned with squashed tomatoes as enthusiastic revelers engage in a joyous exchange of juicy projectiles. Rooted in uncertain origins, the festival has evolved into a global phenomenon, with over 20,000 participants from around the world joining in the friendly battle.