Why Are Festivals Culturally Important? In Episode 72, we sit down with Jacob Quijas, host of the Viva La Festiva podcast, to explore the vibrant world of festivals. From the evolution of iconic events like Burning Man to the unexpected charm of the Wife Carrying Championship—a quirky tradition originating in Finland but celebrated worldwide—we cover it all. We also dive into lesser-known but fascinating festivals like The Blob fest, Krampus parades, Pickle Fest, and Renaissance Fairs, uncovering their unique cultural significance. Plus, no festival chat is complete without food! We discuss the delicious (and sometimes bizarre) dishes that define these celebrations. Whether you’re a festival fanatic or just curious about the hype, this episode is your ultimate guide to the world of festivals!