May Day

May Day is the biggest day in Padstow's calendar.  It is not unusual to see 30,000 people crammed into our little town.  It is a day when Padstonians from all over the world return to their roots.

The following accommodation has indicated that they have vacancies for May Day

Tourist Information Advice

• May Day takes place annually on 1st May (2nd May if the 1st falls on a Sunday).

• Accommodation is a premium over May Day.  Many people book the same accommodation from one year to the next and it is common for accommodation to be booked for up to a year in advance.  Our advice is to book early.
• It is very unlikely that you will be able to book for one night only.  Most accommodation will require a minimum of 2 nights.

• Accommodation providers keep us updated of any cancellations.  Please use our accommodation booking service if you are struggling to find somewhere.

• Alternatively you could consider staying in Newquay or Bodmin and catching the bus to Padstow.

• Do not bring your car into the old part of Padstow on May Day.  Please use the car parks or park and ride.

• When May Day falls at a weekend the town is extremely busy.  It is not a comfortable environment for pushchairs, dogs or wheelchairs.

• If you are in a wheelchair you are advised to find a spot en route and wait for the procession to come past.  Once the procession leaves the old town the congestion is eased and you will get a better view without being crushed.  Please contact us for more information and for information on disabled car parking.

History of May Day

There have been many conflicting theories about the origins of the Obby Oss. Some say its roots are in pagan times, others that it's a rain maker, a fertility symbol, a deterrent to a possible landing by the French some centuries ago or even a welcome to summer. Whatever, the mists of time and the helping hand of successive generations of Padstonians have blunted the true reasons for its creation. The fearsome mask of today's Obby Oss regalia is set into a body covering costume built around a six feet wide circular wooden hoop. This is carried on the wearer's shoulders and covered in sailcloth that is draped down to the ground. Because it is heavy, internal shoulder straps enable the carrier to bear the strain more easily. The wearer then proceeds through Padstow's streets, swirling and dancing and accompanied by a Teazer, who leads the dance with theatrical movements and the use of the Teazer's club, a leather pad colourfully painted and mounted on the end of a wooden rod. The Teazer's accompanying retinue are dressed in white their costumes decorated with ribbons and sprays of cowlips and bluebells. As the procession moves around the town dancers perform a traditional gyrating dance to the sound of the accompanying musicians and drummers. Last, but not least, are the followers, young and old who follow the procession every year and join in the singing of the traditional May Song.