Some may call some of the Isle of Man’s traditional events unusual - and they would be right! From rowing a tin bath in the Irish Sea to singing and dancing the night away to Celtic folk music, you’ll always find something a bit different on the Isle of Man.
For a wacky day out why not head down to the World Championship Viking Long Boat Races? Running for over 50 years, the event sees teams race each other in large Viking style boats in a challenge of strength and power. Or try the annual Tin Baths Championships, attracting hundreds of competitors and spectators each year, the challenge sees competitors in Tin Baths compete to cross the finish line first without sinking!
With plenty of unique events that make up the Isle of Man’s distinctive culture, you won’t be short of things to do whilst discovering the Island. Taking place annually in July, Tynwald Day celebrates the Isle of Man’s Parliament, which is the Oldest Continuous Parliament in the World. The open air ceremony was established by Norse Vikings with the famous Tynwald Hill being built in the 13th century. As a national holiday on the Isle of Man, Tynwald Day is a great way to experience authentic Manx culture and join in the festivities. The event brings lots of stalls, food outlets and entertainment to St John’s and is great for a family day out.
If our illustrious Manx history appeals to you then come and celebrate the Isle of Man's Celtic heritage with a fun-filled festival of song and dance. The Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Festival takes place every July in a celebration of Manx culture and the relationships between other Celtic countries. They’ll be plenty of dancing and singing to be done with many well-known folk artists performing during the festival.
Have you heard of Hop-tu-Naa? This Celtic festival celebrated on the Isle of Man on 31st October predates Halloween and marks the end of summer in the Celtic calendar. In contrast to the British tradition; children carry lanterns carved from turnips, rather than pumpkins, and sing traditional Hop-tu-naa songs!
