In traditional ring riding, riders aim to impale a tiny ring hanging from a wooden gallows with their lance. In the Middle Ages, this artistic game served to entertain kings. Even today, the traditional ring-riding festivals on both sides of the border display great entertainment value, especially in Sønderborg and Aabenraa. Every summer, several hundred riders compete for the royal dignity, and the festivities, which last several days, are extremely popular. Accompanied by drums, trumpets and the clatter of hooves, there are parades through the town centres: Riders in black jackets on decorated horses, carriages with dignitaries, guards, and marching bands from all over Scandinavia make for a colourful and joyous spectacle.
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