Mayoring Day

Mayoring Day

MayIn England, this is the day on which the new mayor of a town or borough parades through the streets. If it takes place on a Sunday, it is often called Mayor's Sunday and is celebrated with a church service. In Rye, Sussex, the old tradition of the "hot-penny scramble" is carried out on this day. The new mayor throws hot pennies to the children, who then scramble to pick them up. This custom probably dates back to the time when Rye minted its own coins, and they were distributed while still hot from the molds.
CONTACTS:
Rye Tourist Information Centre
Rye Heritage Ct.
Strand Quay
Rye, East Sussex TN31 7AY United Kingdom
44-17-9722-6696; fax: 44-17-9722-3460
www.visitrye.co.uk
SOURCES:
DictDays-1988, p. 75