France is famous for its many local festivals held through the year, but throughout Europe you’ll also find some of the strangest fest

France is famous for its many local festivals held through the year, but throughout Europe you’ll also find some of the strangest festivals you’ll ever come across!

La Tomatina festival is held in Valencia on the last Wednesday of August - and is the world’s largest annual tomato fight! Thousands of happy festival-goers use truckloads of the fruit as missiles (all in good fun of course!). Rail Europe offer return tickets from London start at just £253. Why not experience this once in a lifetime event for yourself this summer?

The Sao Joao festival, in Porto, is one of Europe’s largest street parties – with fireworks, barbeques and live music. Over the years, a slightly strange tradition has evolved where thousands of people arm themselves with huge, multicoloured plastic hammers – used to deploy swift, soft blows to the heads of fellow revellers. Porto can be easily reached from Madrid, which is itself only £202 return from London.

For more information on Europe’s wackiest festivals visit the Rail Europe site for their latest travel deals and special offers.