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Billed as one of Ireland's oldest festivals,
the Puck Fair sees locals in the town of Killorglin pluck a wild
mountain goat from its habitat and crown him 'King Puck' for the
duration of the event.
This year's king was paraded through the town on Thursday, where
he was crowned by the Queen of Puck - an honor bestowed on a
local schoolgirl. He appeared relaxed, if occasionally bemused,
during his coronation.
"I've seen it for the last 11 years so it's nothing new but when
I first moved here from England I thought it was strange,"
festival-goer Ben Henry, 25, of Killarney told Reuters.
"I heard a fella today saying he's been coming to Puck for 57
years so that says a lot!" he added.
The festival will feature music, street performers and a horse
fair.
The origins of the event are unclear, though there are many
local theories from a harvest festival to tales of a lone goat
fleeing Oliver Cromwell's troops into the village.
Organizers say historical references to the festival date back
to the early 17th century.
As for King Puck, organizers say he is to be treated royally
during his brief reign with a diet of ash tree branches, water
and cabbage to sustain him until he returns to his mountain home
following his dethronement ceremony.
Organizers expect to welcome more than 100,000 visitors during
the festival which runs until Aug. 12.
(Reporting by Clodagh Kilcoyne; writing by Mark Hanrahan in
London; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
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