Over in Balkesir, Turkey, men paint themselves head-to-toe in chimney soot to celebrate winning the Turkish War of Independence.
Leather workers and students smother themselves in ash to celebrate Tulutabaklar, a 95-year-old tradition.
As well as chimney soot, the outfits include goatskin and sheepskin, horse hair and buffalo hair as well as bells.
Dressing up in the intimidating gear was a way to frighten away Greek soldiers who occupied Balikesir during the National Struggle period.
Now each year on September 6, men perform this ritual as part of the celebration of liberation of the city for 96 years.
The event has become bigger every year and crowds of both domestic and foreign tourists lie the streets to witness the spectacle.
Workers gather in the fields outside Balkesir in the early hours of the morning to mix soot brought from their ovens with water that they then smother on their heads, arms and legs, before putting on their animals skins.
During the ceremony, the workers follow a man dressed as a horse through the streets, playing the drums.
Imren Kamci, 55, who has been taking part in the tradition for around 30 years told Haberler.com: "Our elders have always told us that it is a local feast for us, with raw food.
"Our ancestors who lived and worked in the tannery dressed in sheep and goat hides to scare the Greek forces, and the enemy saw them and freaked out."
After the procession takes place, the workers gather in to entertain and scare the local children util the early hours of the morning.
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