May Day (Obby Oss Day)- May 1st
Some 30,000 people descend on the world famous fishing port, Padstow on 1st May for May Day or Obby Oss Day, find out what the fuss is all about with our guide to Padstow’s biggest day of the year, and with a great offer on a luxury 2 night stay, why not book a special Bank Holiday break at The Atlantic Hotel……
May Day is known to be the oldest dance festival in the country and is said to be traced back to the early 1800’s and is a celebration of spring (and rumours of an ancient fertility festival which some believe to this day!)
Padstow is decorated with flags and flowers. Padstow residents dress in white with their loyalties made known with a red or blue ribbon (the Old Oss is red)
From 8am the streets are filled with children, with their homemade Obby Oss’s ready to display. The blue Oss makes its first appearance from its stable at around 10am, followed by the old Red Oss at 11am. Both Osses dance through the streets and are prodded by Teasers and followed by their parade of supporters dancing around the Oss and the Mayers singing, drumming and playing accordion’s through the streets, the Osses finally dance around the Maypole and head back to their stables before dark.
What to expect:
Tens of thousands of people, with an unbeatable Cornish atmosphere!
Lots of cheer! The official celebrations start at midnight, so expect packed pubs and gardens with lots of drinking and toasting!
Unstoppable dancing The Cornish revellers have waited all year for this special day and nothing will stop them dancing, the only thing to do is join in!
Once in a lifetime photo opportunities – A sea of thousands of people dressed in white, the backdrop of the beautiful harbour and the glittering sea, and colourful flags and flowers waving in the wind is a once in a lifetime opportunity- bringing your camera is a must!
A scenic journey to Pastow The journey itself from Newquay to Padstow is beautiful, winding along the famous Watergate Bay, past beautiful fields home to Boardmasters Festival in August, Bedruthan Steps, Mawgan Porth, following the coastline through to Padstow- there are so many photo opportunities, the short 25 minute journey to Padstow may take a while!
Book your Bank Holiday break today and stay in 4 star luxury, with full use of our indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, and a full English Breakfast both mornings from just £360* for 2 nights
*based on 30th April – 2nd May in a Superior room- subject to availability
