Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Paradeof Godiva

July 10 and 11

Parade of Godiva

Up until the1960s, the appearance of Lady Godiva, astride her white steed, was part of theprocession held during the eight-day Midsummer Corpus Christi festival. Unfortunately, therowdy behavior and vulgar humor of the occasion drew Victorian disapproval. Theparade was reinstated in 1969 but toned down considerably.

Godiva, Ladyof Coventry, was the wife of Earl Leofric and a devout and generous patron ofthe church. She was considered to be saintly and blessed of God. Godiva beggedher husband to free Coventry from tax until, angry at her persistence, he toldher that if she rode naked across the crowded marketplace he would grant herrequest. She agreed but allowed her hair to hang loose so that her whole bodywas veiled and only her legs exposed. Her husband considered this to be amiracle and lifted the tax.