A Spanish village hosts a bizarre annual contest to see who can throw a ham the farthest.
Footage from this year’s event shows hopefuls hurling hefty hams into a marked area reminiscent of a hammer throw landing sector.
The quirky competition takes place every August in Carrascosa de la Sierra.
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Nestled in Spain’s Soria province, the village is home to just 70 year-round residents – but the population balloons to over 400 during the festivities.
Known as the Campeonato de Lanzamiento de Pernil – Ham Throwing Championship – the tradition began decades ago as a joke among friends at the local bar.
This year, it went viral thanks to 24-year-old Talía Benedicto, who has roots in the village and shared a montage of the event on social media.
The thrown ham isn’t wasted – it’s wrapped in tape and bubble wrap before being launched and serves as a trophy for whoever throws it the farthest.
Tradition dictates, however, that the winner shares it with locals and visitors alike.
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This year’s men’s champion was Sergio García, whose throw reached 20.55 metres, as reported by What’s The Jam.
There are also categories for women, who throw shoulder hams; children, who launch salchichón; and even toddlers, who toss mini fuet.
What began in 1997 as a quirky idea to liven up the August festivities has become the village’s defining symbol.
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“The locals are really excited because we’ve put Carrascosa on the map,” Talía told local media.
Carrascosa isn’t alone in Spain’s oddball festival scene.
In Carcabuey, Córdoba province, there’s an olive-pit spitting championship. In the Galicia region, turnip tops fly through the air in a dedicated contest.
The Navarra region hosts espadrille-flinging events. And in the Castile and León region, contestants toss hoes in pursuit of glory.
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