Cabbageddon

On the day called Haybloom, that all over Phaldorya marks the transition between winter and spring, the citizen of Hörburg traditionally celebrated enacting a mock battle. During this battle citizen of each quarter of the city will throw wonky over-ripen purple cabbages, not suitable to be eaten, in memory of the Trolls' siege.

History

In 1284 (date to be confirmed) the Free Principate of Hörburg was attacked by a Trolls' army, that after attacking and ransacking the countryside forced the people to retreat inside the capitol. During the siege the defender would throw at the invaders rocks and other objects, allegorically replaced by the local purple cabbage. Eventually the siege was broken by an army sent to the rescue from the Dragon Kingdom.

Execution

Starting early in the morning, from every quarter of the town a group of citizen wearing the uniform of the district, organize a war-wagon with the banner of the quarter to parade through the road of the city following to a specific route through enemy territories. They will fight against people inside the houses and palaces exchanging launches of cabbages. There's a jury that every year will evaluate the crew that has demonstrated the highest discipline and courage during the parade. In the final phases of the battle all the crews converge into Lower square were they fight each other relentlessly, until the winner is announced by Princess Violet.

Princess Violet

by Gromovataya

The origin of the character of Princess Violet is disputed, according to the local folklore, she was a noble lady who fell in love with a commoner, despite of having been promised to a local nobleman by her family. She married him secretly, but her bethroted kidnapped her in his tower. The commoner, with the help of other citizen stormed the tower and freed the woman. Every year a recently married woman gets selected to enact this character simbolizing the power of the people and the beauty of love.

Evening celebrations

In the evening occur religious ritual in the various temples, during which the street are cleaned from the battle. Later on in the market area outside the main door of the city, stalls are assembled to host a large fayre. Some of these stalls are organized by the council and distribute free Skudde and cabbage stew, that is the typical dish of the Cabbageddon.

by Luca Poddighe

Skudde and cabbage stew

• 3kg of Skudde sheep meat
• Sage
• Laurel
• Parsley
• 4 Carrots
• 4 Celery stalks
• 3 Sundried tomatoes
• 1 Purple cabbage
• Mint
• Rosemary
• 4 Onions
• 1kg Potatoes
• Salt

In a large pot put the meat with all herbs, the sundried tomatoes, carrots and celery. Cover with water and adjust with salt. Leave for about one hour over medium heat and, when the meat is almost cooked, add potatoes, onions and cabbage. Check the cooking of the potatoes with a fork and, when the potatoes are ready, serve with toasted bread.