Rite of Spring

The1st of May might be a celebration of labour and workers' rights in some places , but in rural England it's an excuse for a huge celebration of spring and greenery and fertility, with lots of dancing and merry making. 
Padstow has been holding its Obby Oss celebrations since,  well, a very long time.
People follow either the blue Oss or the red Oss, there is music played on accordions, and drums keeping up a steady hypnotic beat. It's a big event and draws large crowds to the town even on a horrible wet day like today.
Hildasrose and Rob , Black tulip and JJ and Chantler63 and John all came to join us and I think they enjoyed the slightly crazy goings on. We had fish and chips and pasties and got thoroughly soaked, but it was all good fun. 
The main photo shows the musicians and dancers following the red Oss and the extras are of the Oss and the Maypole and one of the musicians.