A unique and annual tradition drew thousands of people to Padstow this week.
Padstow’s ‘Obby ‘Oss was in full swing on Wednesday, with thousands of people taking part and watching the day's festivities.
Held each year on May 1, the tradition features a 'red ‘oss and a blue ‘oss' celebrating life, the end of spring and the beginning of summer.
Legend has it, that any woman who goes beneath the apron of the ‘oss will be married or pregnant within the year!
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According to Cornwall Guide, every year in preparation for the first of May (unless this falls on a Sunday, in which case the festival takes place on Monday, 2), Padstow’s narrow streets and ancient harbour are extravagantly decorated with flowers, flags and greenery, the focus of which is a tall and colourful May Pole.
What follows is a procession which is usually attended by thousands, in which two groups of dancers, accompanied by drums, triangles and marching accordion players make their way through the town, one of each team dressed in a stylized recreation of a horse and wearing a striking and terrifying mask.
These are the ‘Old and Blue Ribbon Osses’, both of which have stables from which they emerge in the morning and return at night.
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