Flaming tar barrels

 • Every year on Nov. 5, flaming tar barrels are carried through the streets of Ottery St. Mary in Devon, England, to the delight of townsfolk and visitors.

Men each carry a flaming barrel on their shoulders until the weight or heat becomes too much, then someone else takes over until the barrel starts to break up, then it’s allowed to burn out.

Starting with junior barrels in late afternoon, the sizes of the barrels grow until the final enormous one is carried in at midnight. A gigantic bonfire is crowned with an effigy of Guy Fawkes.

The event includes a fairground and other attractions. Contact the Ottery St. Mary Tourist Information Centre (phone +44 01404 813 964, www.otterytourism.org.uk).

• Every New Year’s Eve in Allendale, Northumberland, a team of 45 “Guisers” in fancy dress carry barrels of flaming tar through the streets to the town center, where they are tossed onto a bonfire. The barrels weigh up to 30 pounds.

The tradition is said to have roots in a Viking or a pagan fire worship ceremony, but now it’s simply a local tradition, with the town joining in “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight around the fire.

Contact the Hexham Tourist Information Centre (phone +44 0 1434 65 2220, www.northern-pennines.co.uk/Allendale.htm).