Obby Oss
Padstow’s Obby Oss is one of the oldest surviving festivals in the UK and is thought to have origins in Pagan fertility rites and is a celebration of Beltane, the Celtic feast which celebrates the approach of summer.
Mayday in Padstow begins at midnight on the 30th of April when inhabitants sing to the landlord of the Golden Lion Inn. People rise early on the day to collect flowers and decorate the town with them and accordionists and drummers play the may song.
The Blue Ribbon obby oss and the Old obby oss dance around the streets as supporters follow. The day ends with singing at the maypole on Broad Street.
Celebrate Mayday in a unique way by visiting this Padstow festival…
Image Credits: Bryan Ledgard – CC BY 2.0