Curious customs

To welcome summer, the residents of the Cornish port of Padstow carry out a unique May Day tradition, the exact origins of which are unknown. Locals spend the night of April 30 decorating the town with flowers and ribbons, ready for the arrival of two ’obby ’osses from their stables on May Day morning. The 6ft (1.8m) masked horse-like figures, one known as the Old ’Oss, the other as the Blue Ribbon ’Oss, dance through the town. Each is led by a dancer known as a teaser and followed by a group of supporters. Both ’osses end the day at a maypole erected in Broad Street, before returning to their stables by dark.