Ratting Day is the annual tradition when teams of Tristan da Cunha men compete to rid the Potato Patches of rats.

Event News

2020 Ratting Day

Report by Rachel Green; Photos by Kelly Green and Fiona Kilpatrick

The gong was rung early on Saturday the 25th April 2020, informing all the islanders it would be Ratting Day. This event is held once a year, it was first created to try and get rid of the rats, but now it has become more of a competition amongst the islanders which everyone enjoys.

Gathering at the Patches for Ratting Day

Gathering at the Patches for Ratting Day

The island men gathered in their groups and set out with their dogs to the various parts of the settlement and patches looking for rats. Later on in the day the women go out to the patches with refreshments for the men who have spent the whole day hunting. In the evening everyone makes their way back to the settlement to get their rat tails counted and measured to see which group would be the winners. The prize for the most tails went to the 'Coolers' with a total of 44 tails per man and the prize for the longest tail went to 'Jacks Pieces' with a tail the length of 30.5cm. After the giving of the prizes was completed all the groups gathered to celebrate their winnings.

Men and dogs hunting for rats

Men and dogs hunting for rats

Men and dogs hunting for rats Checking rat traps
Men and dogs hunting for rats Checking rat traps

Women cooking food on the fire for the men

Women cooking food on the fire for the men