European masking rituals

Photographer Ashley Suszczynski explores the ancient folkloric traditions still alive in rural communities across Europe. Shown here, masquerade in the north of Spain and in Bulgaria.

Elaborate headdresses and costumes made from wool, animal horns, embroidered fabric, bells, and other ornaments invoke the mystical power to usher in new seasons and scare away evil spirits….

Suszczynski emphasizes that her role, akin to the people she photographs, is that of a storyteller. Through a visual medium, she hopes to share knowledge and understanding of age-old customs to further the preservation efforts of their bearers. “I want to show people how lesser-known cultures, relics, rites, and rituals have withstood time and evolved in our ever-changing world,” she says.

“Harramacho,” Navalacruz, Avila, Spain