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Description
Something different for a change!

Went to visit the South of Germany for Mardi Gras. That time of year people are parading around in - often ancient - hand-carved wooden masks depicting animals, spirits or mythological creatures. They use rattles, bells or wooden clappers to make as much noise as possible and are playing pranks on spectators - in good spirit, of course. Kids are being treated a bit better, as they are often given candy.

It's a really old, originally Heathen tradition (that the Catholic Church has appropriated over the course of history, of course, like many other holidays).

I find it enchanting. While wearing their masks, people were more open towards posing for pictures than usual and I got beautiful shots of masks and costumes.

Would you like to see more?

Swabian Alps, Germany, February 2015. Picture is untweaked.

Description
Something different for a change!

Went to visit the South of Germany for Mardi Gras. That time of year people are parading around in - often ancient - hand-carved wooden masks depicting animals, spirits or mythological creatures. They use rattles, bells or wooden clappers to make as much noise as possible and are playing pranks on spectators - in good spirit, of course. Kids are being treated a bit better, as they are often given candy.

It's a really old, originally Heathen tradition (that the Catholic Church has appropriated over the course of history, of course, like many other holidays).

I find it enchanting. While wearing their masks, people were more open towards posing for pictures than usual and I got beautiful shots of masks and costumes.

Would you like to see more?

Swabian Alps, Germany, February 2015. Picture is untweaked.