Padstow's 'Obby 'Oss festival returns

cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/11431554

One of the UK's oldest surviving festivals has taken place in Cornwall.

May Day in Padstow is a celebration of the Celtic feast of Beltane, which pays tribute to the fast approach of summer.

Padstow's narrow streets were at the heart of the party.

There was a procession with dancers, drums, and music makers and the celebrations went on until midnight.

Padstow's two 'Obby 'Oss - wooden hobby horse costumes - are paraded through the town for the celebrations every year.

The ancient tradition has brought thousands of people to the streets of the town, cheering for either the blue or red ribbon hobby horses.

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The exact origin of the centuries-old 'Obby 'Oss celebration is unknown, however it is thought it could be linked to the ancient Celtic festival of Beltane.

It sees the 'Obby 'Oss dance through the streets of Padstow to welcome the coming of summer.

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In 2019, a woman died after being struck by one of the wooden costumes.

Laura Smallwood, 34, was hit by the blue-ribboned 'Oss.

She died at Derriford Hospital three days after the Padstow celebration.

An inquest recorded a conclusion of accidental death.