Ba’, Barley & Island Winters
The Kirkwall Ba’ Game in Orkney, Scotland
January 1, 2027
Every Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, a mass street-football tradition takes place where the town’s streets become the playing area. Ritual and Rivalry travelers would observe the actual Ba’, while any traveler participation would occur only through a separate, safety-modified workshop inspired by local folk football.
Ritual and Rivalry is currently developing this proposed small-group journey. Dates, pricing, access, local partners, accommodations, transportation and inclusions are subject to final confirmation.
The Uppies vs. Doonies
Historically, the Uppies came from the upper, southern end of Kirkwall, while the Doonies represented the lower, northern end. Today, allegiance is more commonly inherited through family tradition or determined by how a player first arrived in town. Instead of a pitch, the town’s streets become the playing area.
Where centuries of local pride collide with the world’s strangest mass street-football tradition.
The Ba’ Explained
Orkney’s Winter Ritual
The Ba’ is described as a mass street-football tradition played on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Ritual and Rivalry travelers observe the actual Ba’ from the sidelines, while any traveler participation occurs only through a separate, safety-modified workshop inspired by local folk football.
Proposed to include: Arrival & Ritual 101
Planned arrival in Kirkwall, subject to final arrangements. A proposed welcome dinner at a local pub followed by a 'Ba' 101' session to learn the history of the game.
Planned: The Local Culture & Traditions
Explore the island's unique culture, planned and subject to final arrangements. Sample local barley and seafood in the heart of Kirkwall, subject to confirmation.
Proposed: Farewell & Departure
A proposed farewell toast, subject to confirmation with local partners. You leave with stories of cold winds and fiery local pride.
A three-to-five day itinerary designed for the curious traveler who seeks the ritual and the rivalry. The itinerary is being designed to offer an immersive experience while remaining subject to final confirmation.
Ritual and Rivalry is currently developing this proposed small-group journey. Dates, pricing, access, local partners, accommodations, transportation and inclusions are subject to final confirmation.
The Orkney Journey
Itinerary designed for: Play Lab & Local Table
Participation occurs only through a separate, safety-modified workshop. A proposed hosted local-table experience follows, subject to confirmation with local partners.
Observation of the Main Event: The Ba'
Travelers will observe the actual Ba’ game, a mass street-football tradition played on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day as the town’s streets become the arena.
What to Expect
Everything you need to know about the Kirkwall Ba’ and our proposed approach to this journey.
Ritual and Rivalry is currently developing this proposed small-group journey. Dates, pricing, access, local partners, accommodations, transportation and inclusions are subject to final confirmation.
Group Size?
What is the Ba’?
Participation Level?
The journey is being designed to keep it intimate—planned for 8 to 14 travelers. This is proposed to ensure a personal connection and a manageable pace.
A mass street-football tradition played on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. In this centuries-old ritual, the town’s streets become the playing area.
Travelers observe the actual Ba’ as spectators. Any traveler participation would occur only through a separate, safety-modified workshop inspired by local folk football.
Logistical Details?
Travel Insurance?
What to Bring?
The itinerary is being designed to include transport by provisional private vehicle. Arrangements for accommodation and island access are subject to final confirmation.
Travel insurance is required. We recommend comprehensive coverage that includes trip cancellation, medical, and personal liability.
Layered clothing for winter conditions, a camera, and an open mind. Proposed inclusions for nourishment are subject to final local arrangements.
Waitlist Status?
The January 2027 trip is a proposed journey currently on our waitlist. Planned dates are subject to final arrangements and confirmation.