This weekend Ripely’s Believe It or Not! Orlando celebrated a 4000 years old art with the World Sword Swallower’s Day. This breathtaking event started with an introduction by Red Stuart, the world’s oldest known sword swallower. “It is a feat that is achieved through mind control over the individual body functions that are not normally controlled by the mind. It is mind over matter” Stuart said.
Warning: Do Not Try This At Home
The event continued with Ted Campbell and some of the most exciting, terrifying acts of fire swallowing, walking on broken glass (gives new meaning to the Annie Lennox song haha) lightbulb eating(!) (OMG), oh – and jumping on it, shish! The crowd was completely wowed.
The next act was a hypnotizing fire-play and then Campbell returned only to swallow more swords. The event concluded with The Big Swallow – 6 sword swallowers, swallowing swords at the same time. It was unbelievable!
It was really nice to see Ripley supporting this ancient art and honoring these amazing, courages performers. The unique setting of the odd looking building of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium was a perfect fit for this event and made it even more exciting. Definitely looking forward to next year’s event!!
