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Elvira (above) is one of the most recognizable horror hosts of all time. Played by American actress Cassandra Peterson, Elvira hosted <em>Elvira’s Movie Macabre</em> from 1981 to 1986.
horror

From Elvira to Svengoolie, Local Horror Hosts' Frightfully Fun History

Every night across the U.S. local horror hosts don masks and costumes to tell jokes and revel in the absurdity of classic horror films.
Tea Krulos October 12, 2023
Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka

Ariyapala Mask Factory and Museum

Beautiful and terrifying masks displayed in the island’s only mask library.
The Medieval Crime Museum in Rothenburg ob-der Tauber, Germany, has one of the most extensive collections of shame masks in the world.
objects of intrigue

These Masks Brought Shame to Gossips, Drunks, and Narcissists

In 17th-century Germany, a "schandmaske" was the prescribed punishment for social transgression.
Shoshi Parks February 17, 2023
This 22-foot-long, papier-mâché rat known as Pantegana helps to kick off Carnival. For centuries, rats were blamed for carrying diseases to port cities, making the rodent an unlikely emblem for Venice, but Pantegana is beloved in the city where rats, which can be surprisingly strong swimmers, are one of the city’s most plentiful, non-human residents.
festivals

In Venice, Carnival Is a Visual Feast of 18th-Century Splendor

Every February, millions of people flock to Venice for Carnival, but few know the festival’s true origins.
Sarah Durn February 16, 2023
A devil mask rests on a table inside the workshop of the Minga Tunguipamba, a collective of rural performers, as dancers put the finishing touches on their masks and costumes ahead of the Diablada de Píllaro. The artists spend weeks and sometimes months creating and personalizing their masks. Many utilize horns, teeth, and furs from animals such as deer, boars, and llamas.
festivals

Every January, This City in Ecuador Fills With Dancing Devils

Diablada de Píllaro is a rebellious but festive answer to a much older tradition begun by Spanish colonizers.
Sarah Durn January 13, 2023
Píllaro, Ecuador

Casa El Pacto

The devil masks on display at this small museum are part of an annual festival that has been taking place for centuries.
A local version of a colonial tradition, the Winneba Fancy Dress Festival rings in the new year in Ghana.
festivals

In Ghana, the New Year Starts With a Fancy Dress Masquerade

Once a colonial tradition, a creative festival has been elevated to new heights.
Line Sidonie Talla Mafotsing January 11, 2023
museums

Podcast: Benin Bronzes

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
The Podcast Team May 3, 2022
Papier-mâché masks are the centerpiece of Carnival in Guinea-Bissau.
festivals

Carnival in Guinea-Bissau Represents Resistance and Possibility

In the small West African Nation, the festival is history.
Ashawnta Jackson March 3, 2022
The Diablada dance pits the Archangel Saint Michael, in the uniform of the Roman legions, against the servants of the devil.
music

Bolivia's Dance of the Devils Is a Party and a Battle Between Good and Evil

Heaven and hell, music and dance at the Carnaval de Oruro.
Matthew Taub February 28, 2022
"Carnaval 86" "Djab" Mask, unknown artist, 1986.
art

The Carnival Masks of Jacmel, Haiti, Are a Papier-Maché Fever Dream

The seaside town is known for both its history and its artistry.
Matthew Taub February 25, 2022
Fur and sack cloth bear (Rusa) costumes.
List

9 Places That Celebrate the Wonder of Masks

Halloween isn't the only reason you might want to cover your face.
Jonathan Carey October 1, 2021
Oneta, Italy

Casa Museo di Arlecchino

The house where Harlequin was born.
In a handful of villages in eastern Georgia, the ancient spring festival of Berikaoba kicks off with a procession of fearsome, masked berikas.
festivals

In Ancient Georgia, Spring Arrived With Wine, Whips, and Mud

The pre-Christian festival of Berikaoba nearly vanished before one woman made it her mission to revive it.
Melanie Hamilton April 8, 2021
The print on artist Melinda Shcakhofer's mask is based on an 18th-century engraving of a slave ship.
art

Indigenous Artists Are Reclaiming Masks as a Source of Storytelling and Strength

Bringing together traditional materials and modern messages.
Carolyn B. Heller September 15, 2020
Video • Object of Intrigue

A Former CIA Chief of Disguise Shows Off a Five-Second Mask

3:59
Surva Carnival.
Pernik, Bulgaria

Surva Carnival at Pernik

Founded in the 4th-century, the town of Pernik plays host to the Surva Carnival⁠—a magnificent display of masked Kukeri dancers.