9. Racing Lobsters
Where: United States.
Price: A lobster
Americans observe July 4th as a national holiday each year to commemorate their nation's independence from Great Britain in 1776. While typical customs include fireworks, red, white, and blue, picnics, and more, some regional festivities are quite distinctive.
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Lobster Race Photography by Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Every year, there's a lobster race in Bar Harbor, Maine. While the race isn't particularly exciting or fast-paced, visitors can have a supper of poached salmon and egg sauce while they watch the crustaceans compete in this popular New England tourist site.
10. Philippine Mass Marriages
Where: Philippines
Price: $0*
Marriage can be costly; in the United States, the average cost of a wedding for a couple is $30,000. Many people find the cost of marriage to be burdensome, but the Philippines and its government have devised a creative solution.
Filipino Mass Weddings @rappler/Pinterest
In the Philippines, Valentine's Day is celebrated with a unique and heartwarming tradition that brings together love and community spirit in a grand fashion. On this special day, large-scale weddings are organized across various towns and provinces, allowing hundreds of couples to tie the knot simultaneously. This mass wedding event is not only a testament to the power of love but also a reflection of the strong sense of community that characterizes Filipino culture.
The ceremonies are often held in public spaces such as town halls, parks, or large event venues, which are beautifully decorated to mark the occasion. Local government units, community leaders, and various organizations collaborate to ensure that the event is well-coordinated and memorable for all the couples involved. These mass weddings provide an opportunity for couples who may not have the means to afford a traditional wedding to celebrate their union in a grand and meaningful way.
Guests who attend these weddings often play a significant role in the celebrations. In many cases, they choose to throw an afterparty to honor the newlyweds. The costs of these afterparties are typically shared among the guests, which further emphasizes the communal nature of the event. This collective effort not only alleviates the financial burden on the couples but also fosters a sense of unity and support among the attendees.
The atmosphere at these mass weddings is filled with joy, love, and festivity. Couples exchange vows, share kisses, and celebrate their love surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers. The event is often accompanied by music, dancing, and feasting, creating a vibrant and joyous celebration that leaves lasting memories for everyone involved.
Overall, the large-scale Valentine's Day weddings in the Philippines are a beautiful example of how love can bring people together and how communities can support each other in meaningful ways.
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