By Kate Schneider

January 07, 2009 09:08am

FED up with tedious tours or walking the road most travelled?

From jumping over babies to throwing fireballs or chasing a giant cheese down a hill, there are plenty of bizarre festivals around the world that are sure to entertain all types of travellers.

Take the bull by the horns in Spain for the adrenaline-fuelled Running of the Bulls in June, risk life and limb by chasing a piece of cheese down a hill in England during May, or go Bun-snatching in Hong Kong.

See the dead rise from the grave during Mexico's Day of the Dead in November or experience weird art, music and plenty of nudity at the Burning Man festival in the US at the end of August.

Invite yourself along to the biggest party in the world in February when the Rio Carnival sambas through the streets of Brazil, before heading to Oktoberfest for a few Bavarian beers and an all-out celebration in October.

For the mischievous travellers among us there are events where you can throw all kinds of objects including cow dung, oranges, water bombs and diapers.

For something a bit closer to home, head on down to the Wife Carrying Championships in New South Wales – but don't forget to bring the wife, of course.

So start planning your next escape with our collection of the world's weird and wonderful festivals of 2009.