A mountain goat was crowned king of Ireland on Sunday at an ancient festival.
The Puck Fair, which dates back centuries, is an annual event marked by drinking and music in the town of Killorglin in southern Ireland.
At the centre of the festivities is a male goat, who is caught in the surrounding mountains, and paraded through the town with much fanfare before reigning as king for three days.
”Deep down it satisfies the Irish humour,” Declan Mangan, chairperson of the fair’s organising committee, told Reuters. ”The mere fact that it happens annually is something great.”
The origins of the fair remain unclear, but it always falls on August 10 to 12.
One theory suggests mountain goats alerted residents of the town to an impending attack by English leader Oliver Cromwell’s forces in the 17th century. Another points to pre-Christian pagan links.
At least 100 000 visitors were expected to attend the celebration this year, which also features horse and cattle shows.
”King Puck” himself will enjoy stately care and regular feeding before being released back into the wild.
”He will have regal duties for three days and after that he’ll be just another goat,” said Mangan. — Reuters