They become bears, stags, and devils. They evoke death but bestow fertile life. They live in the modern era, but they summon old traditions – people all over Europe like to dress up. French photographer Charles Fréger has sought out the best of the best and published a book about almost forgotten rituals. Collected over two winters of travel through 19 countries. Take a visual tour of Europe’s wild man traditions.
Bulgaria – On New Year’s Day men cover themselves with goatskins to impersonate the Kukeri, who both embody and chase away evil spirits.
Switzerland – Sauvage at Carnival
Italy – Schnappviecher (snapping beast) on Shrove Tuesday
Poland – Macidulas on New Year’s Day
France – Spring festivals in the Pyrenees feature local men playing the role of bears awakening from hibernation.
(via WeWasteTime)