planning to burn it at a preplanned date and time. Since that seems to be what people want.
No - the whole tradition is arson (or at least some form of illegal vandalism). A pre-planned burning ruins it - not least as its a gambling opportunity.
Actually, the tradition is for the goat to survive the season.
The arson part is just a bunch of dumb fucks who think that burning is part of the tradition.
If no one had burned the first goat the successive goats would have probably remained intact and no one would be making book on the goat's fate.
I have to admit, though, part of the reason I check the webcam is because maybe I'll see the burning as it happens. I missed it by mere minutes one year.
Having said that, I am always glad when the goat makes it through, unscathed.
