TILTING AT THE RING.
29.06 - 02.07 - 2012

Southern Jutlanders are masters in the art of up-holding old traditions.
Festivals play an important role here and visitors are always welcome.

Tilting at the ring is a Southern Jutland tradition dating from the Middle Ages and tilting tournaments take place somewhere in the region every weekend during the summer.

The largest and most impressive of these tournaments, the County Tilting Festival, is hosted by Aabenraa during the first weekend of July. About 500 horses and riders participate, first in a great parade through the city streets accompanied by marching bands and later, in demanding combat.

The traditionally garbed rider tries, with concentration and sportsmanlike eagerness, to capture the highest number of points by spearing the ring, suspended from the gallows, with his lance while urging his mount through the course at full gallop.

Tilting at the ring is, however, much more than a sporting battle to gain the hon-oured title of tournament king - it is also a folk festival.

The festival ends with a mam-moth display of fireworks which fully symbolizes a holiday in the Aabenraa region.

Se også: www.ringrider.dk