Naked events around the world

MANILA, Philippines – While most people would rather shy away from showing skin, some people in different parts of the world find it perfectly okay – and fun. Some naked-themed events are even used to promote causes and advocacies, while others are meant to commemorate important events. 

Here’s a list of some events all over the world where people strip down, at least partially: 

Naked Sledding (Germany)

Out of hundreds who apply, the event organizers often allow only 30 people to join. The team that first crosses all of the 90-meter track gets to split GBP 1,000 among themselves. Since 2009, the sporting event has been held in Altenberg, Germany.

Kumbh Mela (India)

Considered to be the world’s biggest gathering, the Kumbh Mela atteacts about 100 million people in a mass Hindu pilgrimage. The festival is held every 3 years and rotates locations – Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayaga), Nashik and Ujjain. Participants of the festival bathe in the river.

Naked Run (Denmark)

Since 1999, the annual Rokslide music festival has always been paired with a “Naked Run” where participants compete to get free tickets for the following year’s festival. It is held on the first day of the week-long music festival and runners are expected to run a track around 7 kilometers.

Pilwarren Maslin Beach Nude Games (Australia)

With games like a 3-legged race, a frisbee competition, and even a beauty pageant called Miss Maslin Beach, the Pilwarren Maslin Beach Nude Games often attracts around 500 people to participate.

World Body Painting Festival (Austria)

Revealing so much skin has never been this artistic. The World Body Painting Festival in Austria attracts thousands of spectators to see stunning artwork on bare skin. Aside from the competition, spectators get to enjoy a party with live music from international bands and DJs. Workshops, side events, exhibitors, kids program and other activities are also available at the venue.

Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri (Japan)

Around 9,000 men compete for lucky charms thrown by a priest from a window 4 meters above the crowd. Anyone who’s able to grab one is called “the lucky man,” and is blessed with one whole year of happiness. The festival also celebrates the blessings of a bountiful harvest, prosperity, and fertility.

Oblation Run (Philippines)

In the Philippines, an annual naked run in the State University called the Oblation Run is often used to protest national issues. It takes its name from the University’s official statue – the Oblation – which is a sculpture of a naked man with arms spread wide as a symbol of offering one’s self to the country. However, it started out as a promotional for a 1970s film called Hubad na Bayani (Naked Hero).

Would you try joining a naked festival? Let us know in he comments section below. – Rappler.com