Mask

Political Satire Comes to North Macedonia Village Carnival

The Vevcani carnival began on Monday in the village of Vevcani in the west of North Macedonia, with more traditional participants wearing masks depicting ghouls, goblins and devils, in accordance with the ancient belief that the noise and chaos they create will scare away evil spirits.

France faces blackface debate after Greek play blockaded

France is grappling with its own version of a blackface scandal, after activists blocked a theater performance at the Sorbonne university in Paris involving actors with black masks.

Four black rights groups staged the protest Monday against a performance of "The Suppliants" by ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus, arguing the masks promote racist stereotypes.

The Carnival in Venice Began

Nearly two-week celebrations attract millions of tourists each year.

Among the participants could be seen suits of superheroes or cartoon characters, but also traditional Venetian costumes.

The carnival in the Italian city is also known for the special masks that the participants bring. It was first held in the 11th century in the period before the 40-day fast for Easter.

Two arrested over jewelry store robbery

Police Monday announced the arrest on Friday of two suspected armed robbers who held up a jewelry store earlier in Acharnes in northern Athens wearing carnival masks.

The two men - Kazakhstani nationals aged 24 and 33 - allegedly threatened staff at gunpoint before making off on a motorcycle with an undisclosed amount of jewelry.

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