Finland is quickly becoming the go-to country for obscure and wacky sporting traditions. Locals earned themselves quite the reputation for celebrating the most oddball events from the Wife Carrying World Championships to the World Berry Picking Championship. Now, it’s time to gear up for the annual Swamp Soccer World Championships.
Hyrynsalmi, a town located smack dab in the middle of more than 50 acres of swampland, hosts the raucous tournament every year. More than 200 teams converge on the town to compete in one of the dirtiest sporting events in the world. Vodka has become the traditional drink of choice for players and spectators before each match, so you can probably imagine how entertaining the tournament is to watch.
When the competition is over, locals and visitors clean off and gather for a series of rock concerts around town. Even if you’re not sure how soccer is played, there’s no doubt you’ll still have a great time hanging out with the locals. It’s an all-day and all-night party with the simple goal of bringing together a bunch of people to have fun.
There’s not even a real prize for the winners, just the right to call themselves the Swamp Soccer World Champions. Did we mention this event goes down in the middle of winter?
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedCruises
Apr 18, 2024Windstar’s First-Ever Mystery Cruise to Depart in 2025
Windstar Cruises’ first-ever President’s Mystery Cruise will depart April 19, 2025. The eight-day voyage for Windstar Yacht Club members and friends will depart from and return to Athens, while the rest of the port calls remain a mystery to guests onboard the 312-passenger Star Legend. The destinations will be a secret until 24 hours ahead of arrival; once revealed, guests can select from a variety of shore excursions at each destination.
Sponsored Content
Greece: A Life-Changing Experience
Experience the life-changing destination of Greece by exploring its island gems in the Ionian Sea. Scattered off the western coastline of Central Greece, to the south of Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands are an island group comprising large and small islands.
Destinations / North America
Apr 17, 2024What to Do During a Trip to Morro Bay, California
No, it’s not Monterey Bay. We’re talking Morro Bay, California, located about a 2.5-hour drive to the south, about halfway between San Jose and Los Angeles. A quieter destination, Morro Bay offers plenty for the outdoor adventurer to enjoy.
Hotel
Apr 17, 2024Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos Debuts Couples Mind Detox Retreat
Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos offers guests a restorative retreat designed specifically for couples. The four-night Couples Mind Detox Retreat focuses on connection between couples as well as individual growth.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
Hotel
Apr 17, 2024You Can Stay Overnight at Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium with Marriott Hotels
Are you a fan of the Premier League and, more specifically, an avid Manchester United fan? Ever dreamt of waking up to views of Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester? To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Manchester United’s historic 1998/1999 Treble-winning season, Marriott Hotels and Manchester United partnered to give one fan the ultimate experience. Marriott Bonvoy members have the chance to bid through Marriott Bonvoy Moments for this experience.
ShareThis