Unusual British Festivals Questions: Quiz!

1. Many of these festivals are actually races or competitions.

True

False

The statement suggests that a significant number of festivals are in fact races or competitions. This implies that these festivals involve some form of competitive event or activity, which adds an element of excitement and competition to the celebrations. Therefore, the statement is true as it highlights the competitive nature of many festivals.

Explanation

The statement suggests that a significant number of festivals are in fact races or competitions. This implies that these festivals involve some form of competitive event or activity, which adds an element of excitement and competition to the celebrations. Therefore, the statement is true as it highlights the competitive nature of many festivals.

2. Snail racing started in the UK.

True

False

Snail racing originated in the UK. This means that the activity of racing snails began in the United Kingdom.

Explanation

Snail racing originated in the UK. This means that the activity of racing snails began in the United Kingdom.

3. The burning of the Clavie brings good luck for the new year.

True

False

The burning of the Clavie is a tradition that takes place in Burghead, Scotland, on January 11th each year. The Clavie is a large barrel filled with wood and tar, which is set on fire and carried through the town. It is believed that the burning of the Clavie brings good luck and prosperity for the new year. This tradition has been celebrated for centuries and is seen as an important part of the local culture and folklore. Therefore, the statement "The burning of the Clavie brings good luck for the new year" is true.

Explanation

The burning of the Clavie is a tradition that takes place in Burghead, Scotland, on January 11th each year. The Clavie is a large barrel filled with wood and tar, which is set on fire and carried through the town. It is believed that the burning of the Clavie brings good luck and prosperity for the new year. This tradition has been celebrated for centuries and is seen as an important part of the local culture and folklore. Therefore, the statement "The burning of the Clavie brings good luck for the new year" is true.

4. On Shrove Tuesday in Scarborough, people dance with ropes.

True

False

There is no evidence or cultural tradition that suggests people in Scarborough dance with ropes on Shrove Tuesday. Therefore, the statement is false.

Explanation

There is no evidence or cultural tradition that suggests people in Scarborough dance with ropes on Shrove Tuesday. Therefore, the statement is false.

5. The competition to pull the ugliest face is an old tradition.

True

False

This statement suggests that the competition to pull the ugliest face is a long-standing tradition. This means that it has been practiced for a significant period of time in the past. The word "old" implies that it has been passed down through generations or has been a recurring event. Therefore, the correct answer is True, indicating that the competition is indeed an old tradition.

Explanation

This statement suggests that the competition to pull the ugliest face is a long-standing tradition. This means that it has been practiced for a significant period of time in the past. The word "old" implies that it has been passed down through generations or has been a recurring event. Therefore, the correct answer is True, indicating that the competition is indeed an old tradition.

6. The burning of the clocks festival marks the Summer solstice.

True

False

The burning of the clocks festival does not mark the Summer solstice. This festival is actually celebrated in Brighton, England on the 21st of December, which is the Winter solstice. During the festival, people create paper clocks and lanterns, which are then burned as a symbolic gesture of letting go of the old year and welcoming the new year. Therefore, the statement is false.

Explanation

The burning of the clocks festival does not mark the Summer solstice. This festival is actually celebrated in Brighton, England on the 21st of December, which is the Winter solstice. During the festival, people create paper clocks and lanterns, which are then burned as a symbolic gesture of letting go of the old year and welcoming the new year. Therefore, the statement is false.

7. Cheese rolling involves running away from a big, round cheese.

True

False

Cheese rolling actually involves participants chasing after a big, round cheese that is rolled down a hill. The objective is to catch the cheese or reach the finish line before it does. Therefore, the statement that cheese rolling involves running away from the cheese is incorrect.

Explanation

Cheese rolling actually involves participants chasing after a big, round cheese that is rolled down a hill. The objective is to catch the cheese or reach the finish line before it does. Therefore, the statement that cheese rolling involves running away from the cheese is incorrect.

8. The Burning of the Clocks festival ends with people throwing water.

True

False

The Burning of the Clocks festival does not end with people throwing water. This statement contradicts the actual tradition of the festival, which involves participants parading through the streets of Brighton, England, carrying homemade lanterns and paper clocks. At the end of the festival, the lanterns and clocks are burned on a bonfire, symbolizing the passing of time and the beginning of a new year.

Explanation

The Burning of the Clocks festival does not end with people throwing water. This statement contradicts the actual tradition of the festival, which involves participants parading through the streets of Brighton, England, carrying homemade lanterns and paper clocks. At the end of the festival, the lanterns and clocks are burned on a bonfire, symbolizing the passing of time and the beginning of a new year.