There are many ways to learn and experience the culture of the different places that we visit – one of which is by seeing their traditional sports and games. These activities which started out as pastimes or as show of strength have in some way contributed to the development of the country’s culture, and have somehow turned to their national sport over time. Should you find yourself in one of the following countries, be sure to check out these lesser known games – the kinds that you won’t find in most sportsbook review. Otherwise, instead of simply being a spectator, why not be a participant and test your prowess on the playing field?

Cheese-Rolling Competition

Every year in Cooper’s Hill in Gloucester, England, sometime in the later parts of the Spring Bank Holiday, locals and foreigners participate in one of the most unusual and dangerous games ever invented – the Cheese-rolling Competition at Cooper’s Hill. First, the more than ten participants climb up Copper’s Hill and wait for the coordinators signal. The cheese, a round Double Gloucester, is rolled down the hill – about 200 yards or so below, and one second later the participants follow suit. What makes this dangerous is that the downhill speed can be really fast, so much so that participants tend to tumble instead of run downwards, thus suffering from broken ankles and bones and even head concussions. The price of the daredevil who wins this race is the cheese.

Wife Carrying Contest

Finland is the playing field for one of the world famous wife carrying competition. This game is now being played in some parts of the world like the North Americas and Asia with the World Championships held in its original roots – Finland. Here the male contestant runs the race course while carrying his female partner in various ways like piggyback, over the shoulder, or the strange Estonian method where the female hangs upside down in the man’s back with her legs wrapped around his neck and her arms around his waist. What awaits the victorious pair are beer equivalent to the female’s weight, wife carrying products and a trophy of a man carrying his wife.

Windsor Pumpkin Regatta

Kayaking has always a fun and exciting activity for water sports lovers; but kayaking in a giant pumpkin, now that’s something that’s different. Every year in October, farmers, enthusiasts, and spectators gather in Lake Pesaquid in Nova Scotia to witness the somewhat humorous event. Here, participants bring along giant pumpkins which have been carved out, painted and designed according to the contestants’ preferences. Then, after the starting signal, they paddle out and cross the 800 meters or half a mile course. Not everybody makes it to the finishing line as some either break or sink, but there are rescue teams available to make sure every participant is safe.

Culture is founded upon a variety of aspects that have been followed and practiced for a long time. Although some of them may seem weird and different , it is important that you remember to respect and appreciate them, and of course have fun whether you are simply watching the games or playing in it.

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Photo by shehlaz on Flickr