Also in Spain, the El Salto del Colacho or Baby Jumping Festival has been held in the Province of Burgos since 1621. During El Salto del Colacho, literally ;translated as the devil’s jump, men dressed as the devil jump over babies lying on mattresses in the street. While the origins of this strange tradition are ;unknown, the act of jumping over babies is said to cleanse the babies of original sin, guard them against evil spirits, and ensure them safe passage through life. ;Much like a dare-devil version of baptism by water, this quirky Spanish custom draws spectators from all over the world. ;
On the other side of the spectrum, the Lantern Floating Festival in Hawaii is a much more gentle way to celebrate life. Held annually on Memorial Day on ;O'ahu’s south shore, this beautiful festival offers a personal and collective moment of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for all those who have gone before. ;In a similar vein, simultaneous festivals in Thailand also celebrate the light, with thousands of people floating lanterns in the water in the Loi Krathong Festival in south-western Thailand and launching them to the sky in the northern Thai festival known as Yi Peng. ;
The Shinto Kanamara Matsuri festival in Japan is definitely one of the more unique events of the world, with thousands of people, young and old, getting together ;each year to celebrate the penis. ;With decorations, carved vegetables, and a colourful parade complete with penis decorations, this festival is a major eye-opener for people with delicate western sensibilities. While the Kanamara Matsuri originates from a penis-venerating shrine once popular with prostitutes looking for protection against sexually transmitted diseases, modern revellers are more likely to be praying for things like business prosperity and marriage harmony. ;
The Boryeong Mud Festival is another weird and wonderful event, held each year in Boryeong, South Korea. While this festival only started recently in 1998 as a ;marketing vehicle for Boryeong mud cosmetics, it now attracts more than 2.2 million visitors each year. Despite the ancient minerals found in the local mud, this festival is very much a modern celebration. With live music, a mud pool, mud slides, and mud skiing competitions, visitors have lots of opportunity to get dirty while they discover the medicinal qualities of the Boryeong mud. ;