Shrovetide Football

I couldn't let Shrove Tuesday pass without tipping my hat to Shrovetide football in Ashbourne (UK). For hundreds of years, every Shrove Tuesday, a giant game of 'football' has been played on the streets. The two goals are three miles apart. The town devides into the Up'ards and Down'ards, several thousand compete on these two teams. The shops and banks are boarded up for the day. A colossal brawl ensues as the two teams try to get the ball to their respective goal posts. Oh, and muder is banned.

These videos (1,2) will give you an idea. Heaven!

There's a town still plays this glorious game
Tho' tis but a little spot.

And year by year the contest's fought

From the field that's called Shaw Croft.

Then friend meets friend in friendly strife

The leather for to gain,'

And they play the game right manfully,

In snow, sunshine or rain.

For loyal the Game shall ever be

No matter when or where,

And treat that Game as ought but the free,

Is more than the boldest dare.

Though the up's and down's of its chequered life

May the ball still ever roll,

Until by fair and gallant strife

We've reached the treasur'd goal.