Emily Flores
The coastline can be full of surprises when communities celebrate in ways outsiders would never predict. Music, movement, and local legends all meet at the water’s edge, creating moments both whimsical and memorable. This listicle highlights ten of the strangest coastal celebrations that offer a glimpse into unique seaside cultures.
Boryeong Mud Festival (South Korea)
Held on Daecheon Beach, South Korea’s Boryeong Mud Festival draws close to 1.5 million visitors each year. Attendees wrestle and slide in nutrient-rich gray mud pits. Originally launched to promote local cosmetic mud products, it has grown into a lively celebration of fun, mess, and international camaraderie.
Firefly Squid Festival (Japan)
Bioluminescent light shimmers across Toyama Bay as thousands of firefly squid rise to the surface of the sea during spring. In the coastal town of Namerikawa, Japan, visitors set out on nighttime boat tours to witness the glowing spectacle. Squid-catching experiences, seafood tastings, and vibrant coastal festivities complete this dazzling event.
Sildajazz (Norway)
In the harbor city of Haugesund, Norway, Sildajazz combines music and maritime heritage in August. Named in honor of the town’s historic herring trade, the festival offers seafood-themed jazz acts and lively harborfront dancing. Additionally, stalls serve grilled and pickled fish in a festive coastal atmosphere.
Rock Hall Pirates And Wenches Weekend (USA)
Every summer, the quiet Chesapeake Bay town of Rock Hall swaps fishing boats for pirate ships—at least in spirit. Locals pull on tricorn hats and join parades and sandy beach parties. There’s music, laughter, and plenty of swagger, all with zero risk of an actual cannonball.
Galway International Oyster And Seafood Festival (Ireland)
In Galway, Ireland, the city’s streets come alive for the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival. Visitors enjoy oyster shucking contests and fresh catches. The lively gatherings celebrate a tradition that holds the title of Europe’s longest-running seafood festival.
Surfing Santas Festival (USA)
Every Christmas Eve in Cocoa Beach, Florida, hundreds of surfers dressed as Santa ride the Atlantic waves during the Surfing Santas Festival. This lively coastal event draws thousands to the shoreline for its music and festive costumes. It blends beach culture with holiday cheer in a uniquely Floridian way.
Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival (South Korea)
The Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival in South Korea celebrates a rare natural event when the sea parts, revealing a path between Jindo and Modo islands. Visitors walk the exposed seabed and honor the legend of Grandmother Ppong, who prayed for a way to reach her family on Modo, and the sea miraculously parted in answer.
Akkeshi Oyster Festival (Japan)
Held in the months of autumn and spring, this seafood celebration, known as the Akkeshi Oyster Festival, highlights Akkeshi’s rich culinary heritage. Famous for its plump, flavorful oysters, the town invites visitors to enjoy freshly grilled shellfish and vibrant market stalls, which create a warm, lively atmosphere in a festive season.
National Shrimp Festival (USA)
Each October, approximately 250,000 visitors flock to Gulf Shores, Alabama, for the National Shrimp Festival on the Gulf Coast. The event hosts live beachside concerts across two stages, spanning genres from country to R&B. Crowd favorites include the shrimp cook-off and quirky sandcastle contests.
Kushiro Seafood Festival (Japan)
In nearby Kushiro, a popular seafood festival presents local marine specialties such as crab, oysters, and more. Highlighting the rich coastal cuisine of eastern Hokkaido, the event is backed by the city’s tourism boards and draws visitors eager to experience the region’s diverse and flavorful ocean harvests.