Unbelievable, Yet True: The Most Mind-Blowing Parties in the History of the World

By: Wanthida Tiwari

Throughout history, humans have demonstrated their knack for throwing unforgettable parties that push the boundaries of imagination, creativity, and extravagance. From ancient religious celebrations to opulent feasts and unexpected mishaps, these mind-blowing events have left an indelible mark on the annals of history. Join us as we explore the top seven parties that have captivated generations with their sheer audacity and unforgettable moments.

1. Festival of Drunkenness (Egypt, 15th century BC)
In ancient Egypt, the Festival of Drunkenness was more than just a wild party; it had religious significance. According to legend, the sun god Ra saved humanity by getting the goddess Hathor drunk on 7,000 jars of beer dyed red to resemble blood. In memory of this event, the Egyptians would indulge in copious amounts of alcohol, aiming to eventually pass out like Hathor. The festivities included wild orgies and uninhibited celebrations, paying homage to Hathor, the goddess of love and fertility. 

2. Ball of the Burning Men (Paris, 1393)
What began as a royal entertainment event turned into chaos during the Ball of the Burning Men. The ball featured knights dressed as hairy wild men, their costumes soaked in pitch. The court had to guess the identities of these mysterious figures. However, the highly flammable costumes, combined with the recklessness of the king's brother, who appeared drunk carrying a torch, led to a disastrous fire. To everyone's surprise, the young king was one of the knights, saved from the flames by a quick-thinking duchess. The event, known as the Bal des Ardents, forced the entire court to do public penance for their reckless actions. 

3. Field of the Cloth of Gold (Northern France, 1520) 
In a spectacular display of one-upmanship, King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France staged a meeting in Northern France known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold. The event aimed to outshine each other through extravagant displays of wealth and luxury. The sheer quantity of expensive cloth used earned the event its name. The two-and-a-half weeks of festivities included massive banquets, jousting tournaments, and extravagant nightly celebrations. Despite the immense cost, the event achieved little diplomatic progress, as the sensitive egos of both kings hindered any meaningful dialogue. 

4. Admiral Edward Russell's Cocktail Party (London, 1694): 
Admiral Edward Russell, a key figure in the Glorious Revolution, hosted a legendary cocktail party in London that defied imagination. He transformed his garden by draining the fountain and filling it with a colossal concoction consisting of 250 gallons of brandy, 125 gallons of Malaga wine, 1400 pounds of sugar, 2500 lemons, and 5 pounds of nutmeg. Legend has it that it took guests an entire week to drain the fountain dry, while the party continued unabated. A silk canopy was erected to protect the alcohol from being watered down by rain, ensuring the festivities remained unspoiled. 

5. Manchu Han Imperial Feast (China, 1720)
Emperor Kangxi of China hosted the legendary Manchu Han Imperial Feast, a three-day banquet that sought to bridge the gap between the Manchu and Han ethnic groups. Facing tension and discontent, the Emperor decided to combine both cuisines into an elaborate feast as a gesture of unity. The event featured a staggering number of courses, fostering an atmosphere of peace and reconciliation. This monumental feast marked a turning point, inspiring countless replicas and symbolic meals as gestures of harmony and solidarity, even finding their place on Chinese restaurant menus today- bird’s nest soup might ring a bell. 

6. Crowdy Inauguration (USA, 1829)
Andrew Jackson's inauguration in 1829 was marked by an unprecedented level of rowdiness and chaos. Determined to make it an open house for the people, Jackson invited a large crowd of supporters to the White House. What followed was an all-out party that spiralled out of control. Approximately 20,000 people descended upon the executive mansion, indulging in excessive drinking, destroying furniture, and wreaking havoc. Legend has it that in order to escape the unruly mob, Jackson had to make a daring escape through a window. The situation was eventually diffused by offering free liquor to the crowd, but the aftermath left the White House in shambles. Jackson subsequently requested $50,000 from Congress to refurbish the presidential residence. 

7. Burning Persepolis (330 BCE)
In 330 BCE, Alexander the Great, driven by his desire to conquer the Persian Empire, captured the city of Persepolis. It was during the victory celebration that a drunken mistress named Thais played a significant role in a decision that would change the course of history. Impulsively, she suggested that the city be set ablaze. Fuelled by wine and in the midst of the revelry, the soldiers enthusiastically embraced the idea. Female musicians played jubilantly as the men set fire to the palace and subsequently the entire city. Later, Alexander justified the act as revenge for the Persian attacks on Athens during the Persian War.

These extraordinary parties throughout history have captivated our imagination and revealed the wild and unpredictable side of human nature. From religious celebrations and lavish displays of wealth to reckless and impulsive acts, these events have left an indelible mark on history. Whether fueled by religious fervour, rivalry, or simply the desire for a memorable gathering, these mind-blowing parties showcase the audacity and unpredictability of human celebration. As we look back on these incredible moments, they serve as a reminder of our capacity to push boundaries and create unforgettable experiences in the pursuit of enjoyment and festivities. However, don't let these bring you down, Enjoy! Have fun! Paint the town red - as long as you don't burn it down.