It’s not a festival until you take off all your clothes, right? If you’re attending one of these crazy nude festivals around the world, it may well be the situation you find yourself in. From artistic body painting to hordes of unclothed cyclists, these five events certainly aren’t for shy and retiring types.
Hadaka Matsuri, Japan
Picture this: a mob of hundreds of almost-naked Japanese men, clad exclusively in Sumo wrestler-style loincloths. If you come across this scene in real life, you’ve likely stumbled across Hadaki Matsuri. Celebrated across Japan, the aim of this festival, which typically attends thousands of near-nudes, is spiritual cleansing and good luck. And did we mention it takes place in February? Brrr.
Burning Man, USA
Nudity isn’t a requirement at Burning Man – the famous festivals that takes place in Nevada each year, and attracts thousands upon thousands of modern-day hippies – but let’s just say that it’s probably in the cards. ‘Radical self-expression’ is one of the underlying principles of the event, which somehow seems to translate into hanging out without any clothes.’ Not that we can really blame participants: given that it takes place in the desert, temperatures do get pretty scorching.
World Body Painting Festival, Austria
For those who want to let loose but are shy about going fully nude, consider a stint at the World Body Painting Festival in Austria. Though participants aren’t exactly clothed, the layers of colourful paint do lend a small touch of modesty. A tradition since 1998, the festival celebrates the talents of skin painting artists from around the world, over 200 of who stop by to show off their skills every year. The result is real works of art that come to life.
Bay to Breakers, USA
Ostensibly a 12-mile run through the city, San Francisco’s annual Bay to Breakers festival is also one of its most crowded, insane, and nude-friendly parties. Though walking around naked has now been officially banned in the city, nudity is still allowed in a festival context, so you can expect to witness plenty of underdressed participants. It wouldn’t be San Francisco otherwise.
The World Naked Bike Ride, worldwide
Initially founded as a protest against oil-fuelled society, the World Naked Bike Ride has gone from making a point about the sustainability of human-powered bicycles to a global party for everyone who enjoys the feeling of the breeze in their hair… and everywhere else. Hundreds of naked people on bikes is certainly one way of getting attention for your cause.
