Not to be outdone by their cheese rolling brethren in Gloucester, the residents of Ottery St. Mary, in Devon, have their own very bold and particular sporting tradition: races with flaming barrels of tar
For weeks, the barrels are left to soak in a highly flamable, gooey tar. Then, on the night of the big event, Guy Fawkes Night, they are hoisted onto a contestant's back and set alight.
The largest barrels can weigh more than 30 kilos (66 lbs), but there are ones of lesser sizes for the women and children participants.
The tradition is thought to ward off evil spirits. (Harry Potter fans will note the similarity of the town's name to Ottery St. Catchpole, home to the Weasley family. This is no coincidence.)
But don't try this at home. Unlike Shrovetide football, which anyone can play, eligibility for carrying a flaming barrel of tar is strictly limited to Ottery natives.
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Posted by: LEVINETerri | March 06, 2010 at 10:08 PM