Finnish Beer-and-Wife Competition
While the exact origins of this quirky Finnish competition are a bit hazy, all accounts revolve around the theme of “stealing.” What we’re talking about is the hilarious and now internationally renowned Wife Carrying Competition, which has been held year after year since 1992 and represents a mix of fun, athleticism, and a touch of craziness.
In this offbeat sporting event, participants are tasked with carrying their wives – or even a consenting neighbor’s wife – in a variety of ways: whether it’s piggyback style, in a fireman’s carry, or in the so-called Estonian style, a particularly challenging carrying method. They have to overcome an obstacle course, making the whole thing a physically and tactically demanding affair. The prize for all this effort? No less than the wife’s weight in beer! Thus, the competition ends on a cheerful note, with the ladies being lifted up and the men being rewarded with beer – a win-win situation that uniquely combines tradition, fun, and sport.
