rallys

Rally is a term used to describe a gathering of people for a common purpose, such as political support, celebration, or solidarity. The standard plural in English is rallies; the spelling rallys is considered incorrect in formal writing.

In political contexts, political rallies are organized to advocate for a candidate, policy, or cause. They typically include speeches by leaders and supporters, chants, distributed materials, and sometimes music or performances. Their goals include mobilizing supporters, attracting media attention, and signaling broad public backing.

In motorsport, a rally is a time-speed-distance event held on public or private roads. Teams navigate by pace notes, while drivers and co-drivers compete against the clock across a series of special stages. The World Rally Championship is the premier international series, complemented by national and regional events. Rally formats vary but generally use demanding terrain—gravel, tarmac, or snow—and long-distance travel between stages. Modern rallies emphasize reliability and precise navigation as well as speed, with safety protocols governing crowd control and route opening.

History and terminology: The word comes from French rallye, meaning a gathering or route. In politics, rallies have been part of public life since the 18th and 19th centuries, while the automotive form emerged in the early 20th century. Iconic events such as the Monte Carlo Rally helped establish the sport’s international appeal.

Notes: The term rallys occasionally appears as an incorrect variant. In some contexts, “rally” may refer to virtual or community events modeled on these formats.