Watch Extraordinary Rituals

Extraordinary Rituals is a stunning travel documentary series created by BBC2 in 2018, hosted by the renowned traveler and presenter Simon Reeve. The series follows Reeve as he explores some of the most fascinating, unusual, and awe-inspiring ceremonial rituals from across the world, from India and Japan to Ethiopia and Mexico.

Throughout the series, Reeve delves into the origins and significance of each ritual, highlighting their cultural and historical significance to the people who perform them. He also gets to participate in some of these rituals, offering a firsthand account of the experience and what it means to those involved.

The first episode of the series takes viewers to India, where Reeve discovers some of the country's most beloved and ancient celebrations. He starts in the city of Varanasi, which is regarded as one of the holiest places in India. Here, Reeve witnesses the daily ceremony of the Ganges river, where people gather to bathe in the sacred waters and pay homage to their ancestors.

Moving on, Reeve takes us to the Onam festival in Kerala, where he experiences the traditional dance and food of the region. He also visits a group of Jain monks who practice extreme asceticism, including living on top of a 36-meter pole for a year.

Next up is Japan, where Reeve delves into the Shinto religion and its ceremonial practices. In Tokyo, he attends a Shinto wedding, where he learns about the symbolism and ritual behind each act. He also participates in a traditional tea ceremony and watches a traditional drumming performance in Kyoto.

The third episode sees Reeve traveling to Ethiopia, where he learns about the ancient Christian practices of the country. In Lalibela, he discovers the incredible underground churches carved into the mountainside, and he takes part in the annual Timket festival, which celebrates the baptism of Jesus.

Reeve also visits the Omo Valley, where he meets some of the country's unique tribes, such as the Mursi and the Hamar. Here, he learns about their rituals, which include cow-jumping and body paint.

Finally, in Mexico, Reeve explores the Day of the Dead festival, which honors loved ones who have passed away. He also joins a pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine, where people come from all over the world to pay their respects and offer prayers.

Throughout the series, Reeve offers a unique perspective on each ritual and its significance to the people who perform it. He also investigates the challenges these traditions face in the modern world, from changing cultural attitudes to the impact of tourism.

Overall, Extraordinary Rituals is a visually stunning and thought-provoking documentary that offers a unique insight into the world's cultural and religious practices. Reeve's enthusiasm for travel and his genuine curiosity about different cultures make him the perfect host for this engaging and informative series.