Here's what one of the world's oldest Gypsy fairs looks like
Once a year, thousands of members of the Romany, Gypsy, and Travelling communities descend on the quiet English town of Appleby. There, they pitch tents, park RVs, visit with old friends, and occasionally enrage the local townsfolk over charges of "drink-related disorder" and "anti-social behavior."
Hey, this is an only-once-a-year event, you know?
The merriment and mess is merely the backdrop for a festival dating back to 1685. King James II granted a charter of protection to the Appleby Horse Fair, and nearly 10,000 Gypsies and Travellers still use the annual event to buy and sell horses. The largest fair of its kind in Europe, it features a week-long string of viewings and biddings. Horse owners perform a traditional bathing of their charges in the nearby Eden River; once the horses are washed and groomed, traders send them galloping down the "mad mile" to show off their speed to potential buyers.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Below, images from a centuries-old tradition that has withstood the test of time. --Sarah Eberspacher
(Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
(Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
(Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Sarah Eberspacher is an associate editor at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked as a sports reporter at The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and The Arizona Republic. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.
-
The fishy diplomacy causing tensions between Bangladesh and India
Under The Radar Exports of a 'sacred' fish were recently suspended during difficult relations for the two nations
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Today's political cartoons - October 6, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - Sunday scaries, in-fighting, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 fact-checked cartoons about the VP debate
Cartoons Artists take on civil disagreements, admissions, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published