In England, the Tuesday before Lent is typically celebrated by consuming pancakes. However, in the town of Atherstone, a tradition known as the Atherstone Ball Game takes place. Every year, on the town’s main street, a ball is thrown out of a second-story window of a mortgage broker’s office at 3 p.m., prompting dozens of men to scramble and pile on top of it. The participants engage in pushing and hitting each other as they compete for the ball, resulting in road rash and swollen faces. This historic tradition, dating back 826 years, was reportedly initiated by King John in 1199, who established a match between Leicestershire and Warwickshire with a prize of gold. The rules of the game are generally to keep the ball on the main street and not harm anyone, though there are no strict rules aside from this. The game, which is normally played by men, involves kicking and carrying a leather ball along the main street for two hours, with the winner being the individual holding the ball at the end. The game fosters a sense of camaraderie and competition, and serves as a way for residents to bond while participating in a local tradition. Additionally, the event brings the community together, with thousands gathering to watch the game and support the participants. Despite its rough nature, the tradition continues to be celebrated, reinforcing the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/07/world/europe/atherstone-ball-game-uk-shrove-tuesday-lent.html