The World’s Most Dangerous Cultural Traditions

Traditions are an essential part of the human experience. They’re how we connect with our past and ensure we’ll be connected with the future.

Traditions exist in cultures for their own reasons, and what is normal to one person might be horrific to someone else. Yet, some of these traditions are far more dangerous than others. From wearing gloves full of bullet ants to running full-speed down a hill, these are the world’s most dangerous traditions.

Would you risk your infant’s life for luck in their future?

Running of the Bulls

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The running of the bulls is a Spanish tradition in which a group of cattle is let loose on a closed-off course in a town’s streets. Groups of people run among the large animals and try not to be trampled. The running of the bulls typically occurs during the nine-day festival of Sanfermines in Pamplona, Spain. However, it is not uncommon for the tradition to take place in other towns and cities around Spain, Portugal, and even in some parts of Mexico.

Spaniards date the tradition back to 14th century northeastern Spain. They claim that when cattle were being transported to the market to sell, they would hurry them along by running with them and creating excitement. Eventually, it became a competition that was later established as a tradition. Every year, between 50 and 100 people are injured, and since 1910, 15 people have died.