Hundreds gather in Padstow for Obby Oss celebrations

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Obby Oss
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Obby Oss is the biggest day in the Cornish town's calendar

Hundreds of people have gathered in the streets of Padstow to celebrate the annual Obby Oss festival.

The centuries-old tradition takes place on 1 May each year to welcome the summer.

Masks and black frames adorn two horses - red for the Old Oss and blue for the Blue Ribbon Oss, also known as the Peace Oss.

The two "osses" are paraded through the town accompanied by dancers, drums and accordions.

Image source, LEE CLAYSON
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Family loyalties usually dictate whether people adorn their white outfits with blue or red flashes

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Young and old have gathered in Padstow to celebrate

Image source, LEE CLAYSON
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The Cornish town is decorated with flowers, flags, greenery and a maypole

Image source, JOHN WERREN
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Fierce-looking masks and black frames adorn the two horses

Image caption,

The "osses" are accompanied by accordions as they parade through Padstow

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