In the beautiful countryside of England, among green hills and pretty villages, there's a special event that might make you laugh and scrunch up your nose because of the strong smell. It's called the Great Onion Eating Competition! This is a unique and funny contest where people have to eat a lot of onions.
This unusual event started a long time ago in the heart of England. It began as a friendly challenge among friends. Someone in a local pub dared another person to take a bite of a raw onion. From this simple dare, it turned into a big competition that lots of people love.
As time went on, this tradition became a regular event in small towns all over England but the most famous took place in Newent. People from all walks of life, like farmers, teachers, students, and sometimes even local famous people, come together to enjoy the spirit of togetherness and laughter.
So, how does this strange competition work? It's pretty simple, but also really funny. Participants are given raw, unpeeled onions and have to eat them as quickly as they can. But it's not as easy as it sounds because there are some rules that make it more challenging and sometimes bring tears:
No Peel Left Behind: People have to eat the whole onion, including the skin, and they can't use any extra things to make it taste better. They can have a sip of a type of strong beer called "bitter" to help.
Hands-Free: You can't use forks, knives, or spoons. It's all about biting, chewing, and munching using just your teeth.
The Clock is Ticking: There's a timer, and the person who finishes their onion the fastest wins the competition.
The Taste of Victory and Tears: The winner doesn't just get a prize; they also get a bunch of onions.
But it's not just about eating onions; it's also about having a great time. This event is full of laughter and community spirit. It often happens alongside a beer festival where people can enjoy special kinds of local beer. Friends and family gather together for picnics and to cheer for their favourite contestants.
The contestants become like a big group of friends. They share stories about past competitions and give tips to new participants about how to eat onions faster. There's a strong sense of togetherness, and everyone is willing to make a funny spectacle of themselves just for the joy of it.
What makes the Great Onion Eating Competition so wonderful is that it brings the local community together. It's about keeping traditions alive and celebrating the fun side of life. It's an event that unites people of all ages to enjoy the spectacle of people eating onions with enthusiasm and humour.
Sadly, due to the pandemic, this tradition was put on hold. The competition was stopped in 2020 and hasn't started again because not enough people are interested. But maybe you could start your own onion-eating competition and invite your friends. You might end up with tears in your eyes, but they'll be tears of laughter and you'll make memories that you'll remember forever.
Check your understanding
What is the Great Onion Eating Competition, and where does it take place?
How did this unusual competition originate, and where was its most famous location?
What are some of the rules contestants must follow in the Great Onion Eating Competition?
What kind of event does the Great Onion Eating Competition often happen alongside, and why is it significant?
Why was the Great Onion Eating Competition temporarily suspended, and what is the suggestion for keeping this tradition alive in the future?
You can now listen to this article as a podcast just click here
If you find this practice useful please consider supporting the author from just £1 per month here
Vocabulary
Unusual: Something that is not typical or common; it stands out because it's different.
Jovial: Characterised by a cheerful and friendly atmosphere, often involving laughter and humour.
Bitter: a type of strong beer, typically with a bitter taste.
Enthusiasm: A strong and positive feeling of excitement and eagerness.
Tradition: A custom, practice, or belief that has been passed down through generations and is often observed as a part of cultural or social heritage.
Community spirit: The sense of togetherness, unity, and shared interests among people in a community.
Camaraderie: Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend time together.
Spectacle: A visually striking or impressive display or event.
Local: Relating to a specific area or region, typically one's own neighbourhood or town.
Comments