Oss Oss Wee Oss

This is the Padstow 'Obby 'Oss May Day parade.

Apologies to any Padstonians if I get this wrong but there are two 'Osses - the red and the blue. This is the red or Old 'Oss. The blue 'Oss is a newer feature (only about 200 years). The locals are all dressed in white with red or blue ribbons and scarves to show their allegiance.

The two 'Osses with their own individual groups of followers are led around the town by more accordianists than I have ever seen in my life. The drummers beat out a hypnotic rhythm while the accordians and singers repeatedly sing the May Day song.

Along the way the 'Oss is teased by a 'Teaser' as shown in this picture. Every so often it stops and 'captures' a passing maiden who is taken under the skirt - I don't know what happens then! ;-) At the end of the day the two 'Osses meet up under the maypole.

It's all very pagan but most entertaining, particularly on a blue sky day like today. The town is really buzzing. It always happens on May 1st whatever the day of the week. Thoroughly recommended.