Manx people stop working for two weeks of partying
Put down your tools, turn off the computer, sign out and go home!
Culture Vannin says today is Oie'l Thomase Doo, or Black Thomas' Eve - the day when all Manx people traditionally stopped work for two weeks of partying.
The event marks the beginning of Kegeesh Ommidjagh, which translates as Foolish Fortnight.
An account from 1731 depicts fiddle players being hired with public money, and parties leading to youths "sometimes feeling compelled to go outside to continue their 'close celebrations of the festival' in the hedgerows..."
So, if you come across youths wrapped up in the excesses of the season's festivities, perhaps you might be able to excuse them for their Manx historical authenticity!
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