Lip warmers, lady ticklers, flavour savers, crumb catchers whatever you want to call them in many countries moustaches are not just a case of being too lazy to shave but a symbol of virility, status and male pride. Visit these top moustache destinations sporting your own facial fuzz and you’ll fit right in.
Black Forest, Germany
The Black Forest region in Germany is famous for being the home of facial hair, and especially competitive beard and moustache growing no pressure! Höfen is where the European World Beard & Moustache Championships originated in the 1990s and the nearby town of Pforzheim is now where the national contest is held. The Beard & Moustache Championships is so popular it now has over 20 categories with everything from Fu Manchus to Freestyle. Says one spectator of the event “These guys their facial hair seriously and not only into a sport but also an art.”
Rajasthan, India
Moustaches are everywhere in Rajasthan, India’s largest state, as moustaches are a mark of male virility. Size definitely matters here. The longer, larger or more stylish your lip ‘do the more honour bestowed upon you. In fact the record holder for the longest moustache in the world 4 metres no less lives here. The annual Moustache Competition is a well-attended event with 200,000 Rajasthani farmers vying for the title of best moustache and sporting wild and weird facial hair.
Portland, USA
Pass through Portland at any time of year and you’re sure to see some moustachioed locals. But the Facial Hair Fest in March is when they really come out in force. Many men grow their moustaches and beards specifically during the long winter months for the opportunity to ‘showcase their growth’. During the week-long festival, you can see films about famous bearded men (Jesus, Salvador Dali, etc.), shop at a Facial Hair Farmer’s Market and take part in a Moustache Pageant to win a trophy.
Trondheim, Norway
Home of the original badass whiskers, the Vikings themselves, Trondheim in Norway has an epic moustache history. A thousand years ago these seafarers were strutting their scruff in Trondheim, though grooming tools have been found in burial sites so they may not have been as wildbearded as first imagined. Today the town is the home of the Norwegian Moustache Club and has hosted the European World Beard & Moustache Championships twice.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the centre of the Hungarian moustache scene with the country claiming a hirsute history that goes back to 300 BC. The Hungarian moustache (big, bushy and sweeping up to the sides) is so famous it even gets its own category at the World Beard and Moustache Championship. It’s also showcased on the nation’s currency, check out the 20,000forint note with statesman Ferenc Deákin sporting a massive crumb catcher.