Cultural Customs Trivia Quiz

Answer: Scotland

Every winter in Shetland, Up Helly Aa transforms quiet coastal towns into blazing Viking-inspired spectacles. Rooted in Norse heritage, the event features torch-lit processions led by costumed squads known as 'guizers', culminating in the dramatic burning of a handcrafted Viking longship. The largest and most famous celebration occurs in Lerwick, where hundreds march through the streets honouring the islands' Scandinavian ties and marking the post-Yule season.

Months of preparation go into costumes, choreography, and community events. The chosen Guizer Jarl leads the squad during the day, visiting schools and care homes before the evening's procession. Up Helly Aa celebrates identity, storytelling, and shared history.

Answer: England

Every spring, the steep slopes of Cooper's Hill, Brockworth near Gloucester, England, erupt into one of the world's most eccentric sporting events: the Cheese-Rolling Festival. Participants chase a huge wheel of Double Gloucester cheese hurtling downhill at breakneck speeds, aiming to be the first to reach the bottom. With the hill's uneven terrain and the cheese moving faster than any human can run, most competitors end up tumbling, sliding, or spectacularly crashing to the finish.

Despite the bruises and occasional broken bones, thrill-seekers from around the globe flock to this unorganised, high-spirited event. What began as a rustic spring harvest celebration has become a symbol of British eccentricity, where chaos and the sheer joy of fearless fun take centre stage.

Answer: Nepal

In Nepal, Kukur Tihar is a heartwarming celebration of the bond between humans and dogs. As part of the five-day Tihar festival, this day is devoted entirely to honouring dogs for their loyalty, protection, and companionship. Both pets and strays are adorned with marigold garlands, marked with red tika on their foreheads, and offered special meals. The rituals reflect deep cultural respect, rooted in Hindu beliefs that dogs are messengers of Yama, the god of death, and guardians of the afterlife.

The atmosphere is joyful and reverent, with families and communities coming together to show gratitude to their canine friends. Beyond religious observance, Kukur Tihar elevates the status of animals and reinforces values of kindness, compassion, and connection.

Answer: Thailand

In Lopburi, Thailand, the Monkey Buffet Festival is a lovely blend of chaos, culture, and gratitude. Each November, locals prepare extravagant spreads of fruit, vegetables, sticky rice, and traditional desserts for the town's long-tailed macaques, especially near ancient temples. The monkeys feast freely, climbing over the offerings, sometimes sipping soda or tossing fruit, while spectators enjoy the spectacle.

The tradition began in the 1980s to honour the monkeys for attracting tourism and supporting the local economy. Over time, it became a full-fledged celebration with music, performances, and food stalls for human visitors. The festival reflects Thailand's reverence for animals and community spirit.

Answer: Venezuela

In Venezuela, Christmas Eve takes on a uniquely festive twist with Las Patinatas, where churchgoers roller-skate to early morning mass. From December 16th to 24th, streets-especially in Caracas-are closed to traffic so families can glide through the city to Misa de Gallo ("Rooster's Mass") around 5 or 6 a.m. Skaters wear colourful holiday outfits, accompanied by firecrackers, church bells, and laughter-a joyful mix of faith, fun, and community spirit.

The tradition began in the 1950s and quickly became a beloved part of Venezuelan Christmas culture. Children sometimes dangle strings from windows so skaters can tug them awake, adding a playful, interactive touch. Despite declines in recent years, Las Patinatas remains a symbol of togetherness, turning the simple act of attending mass into a shared holiday adventure.

Answer: Sweden

In Sweden, the kräftskiva, or crayfish party, is a lively late-summer tradition that combines seafood indulgence with festive flair. Held throughout August, these gatherings feature long tables covered with paper cloths, heaps of boiled crayfish seasoned with dill, and plenty of decorative lanterns. Friends and family eat, drink, and sing traditional drinking songs called snapsvisor, often between shots of aquavit. It's a Swedish farewell to summer wrapped in shellfish and song.

Dating back to the 19th century, when crayfish fishing was restricted to late summer, the kräftskiva evolved into a cultural staple celebrated for its food and the sense of togetherness it fosters. Whether in back gardens, balconies, or countryside cottages, the party offers a chance to slow down, savour the season, and embrace Swedish tradition.

Answer: Philippines

In the Philippines, the Bamboo Dance, or Tinikling, is a traditional folk dance that showcases agility, rhythm, and coordination. Dancers step gracefully between pairs of bamboo poles that are rhythmically clapped together, mimicking the movements of tikling birds evading traps in the rice fields. The dance is both visually striking and a demonstration of timing, precision, and cultural storytelling.

Tinikling is often performed during festivals, school events, and cultural celebrations, accompanied by lively native music. It symbolises Filipino ingenuity, resilience, and connection to nature, preserving an art form that blends community participation with historical tradition. The dance remains a proud cultural emblem and a favourite demonstration of Philippine heritage.

Answer: Turkey

In Turkey, Yağlı Güreş, or oil wrestling, is a centuries-old sport in which competitors douse themselves in olive oil and grapple to pin or control their opponent. Matches often take place outdoors on grass, and wrestlers wear traditional leather pants called kıspet. The slippery nature of the oil adds both challenge and spectacle, making each contest a test of skill, strength, and strategy.

The most famous tournament is held annually in Edirne, known as the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, which has been celebrated for over 650 years. Beyond sport, oil wrestling carries deep cultural significance, combining athleticism, tradition, and social gathering. Crowds cheer, music plays, and the festival becomes a celebration of Turkey's history and communal spirit.

Answer: Finland

Finland is home to the Wife Carrying Championship, where participants race through obstacle-laden courses while carrying a partner, usually a wife, on their back. The contest tests strength, balance, and teamwork, with the winner often receiving the spouse's weight in beer as a prize. The event is competitive and playful, reflecting Finland's sense of humour and love for unconventional traditions.

Originating from an old local legend about bandits who would 'steal' wives, the modern championship has grown into an international spectacle. Participants from all over the world join in, dressed in creative costumes, and the event has become as much about community and entertainment as it is about athletic skill. It's an example of how folklore and fun combine in Finnish culture.

Answer: China

In China, a longstanding tradition involves burning paper money and symbolic offerings to honour and appease wandering spirits. Often linked to the Hungry Ghost Festival, families light incense, burn joss paper (also called 'hell money'), and present food and miniature items, believing that these gestures provide for deceased ancestors and restless souls. The ritual reflects a deep cultural emphasis on filial piety and maintaining harmony between the living and the spirit world.

During the festival, streets and homes are filled with smoke from burning offerings, lanterns float on rivers, and temples host ceremonies. The practice is not just about superstition-it's a way for communities to remember the departed, show respect, and maintain spiritual balance. Generations pass down these customs, blending religious, cultural, and familial traditions into a meaningful occasion.