On Tuesday 4th March, Lithuania celebrated Užgavėnės (Shrovetide) an ancient pagan festival celebrating the end of winter, the oncoming spring and the victory of light over darkness. The revellers put on costumes and masks (representing various animals deities and devils) and parade down the street making as much noise as possible to scare away the winter but also to protest , stopping in various squares for performances and talks before gathering for a final@performance and burning of the effigy they have wheeled along with them. The above portraits were taken at the Vilnius Ethnic Cultural Centre as the performers got ready for the parade. Thanks so much to @etnocentras for allowing me to photograph them and to @olgaagenres for invaluable assistance.