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We appear to have escaped to Egypt in this, the final in this series of images. I understand that the camel (centre of the image) has considerable significance in this Group's activities.
©Ron Hann
One could be excused for thinking that this group with blackened faces, melding into the crowd, could be some sort of homage group to Chimney-sweeps but I'm afraid that the significance of the unusual head-gear completely escapes me.
©Ron Hann
Looks like a couple of different groups getting mixed-up, here.
©Ron Hann
Now, here's an interesting-looking little group. I don't know if the two jokers walking against the traffic-flow are connected with the group. Or, come to that, the other one who is "flakers" in the middle of the street. All good, clean fun, no doubt.
©Ron Hann
Possibly a slightly more ornately-dressed set of Morris Dancers, going by the attachments to the trouser legs.
©Ron Hann
This group? 'Fraid I don't know.
©Ron Hann
Some of the costumes are just plain amazing, works of Art. "Have at ye, ye scoundrel".
©Ron Hann
I have often wished that I knew more about the stories behind these various Groups. Obviously, they are involved in Traditional Ceremonies connected with Spring. For instance, this lot seem to be on the verge of beating each others' brains out with the staves that they are brandishing.
©Ron Hann
Another group of people from the celebrations. The fact of the blackening of the faces, and that the gentleman in front is holding a chimney-sweeping brush, would tend to indicate that this group are representing Sweeps.
©Ron Hann
A view of part of the crowd - some of them were even watching the entertainers, too.
©Ron Hann
The reason for any allusion to Egypt, including the fez and stuffed camel, in these celebrations completely eludes me, but it is, obviously, an accepted part of the ceremonies. Perhaps someone, here, might be able to add some information??
©Ron Hann
I must admit to complete ignorance of this group's activities/representation.
©Ron Hann
Morris Dancers, I should imagine?
©Ron Hann
I don't know who this group is intended to represent but the name Salem, which is displayed in the image, and the tricorn hats all tend to suggest Massachusetts and witch-craft in my mind. Or am I "Wrong, again"??
©Ron Hann
Another group - this time celebrating the Sweeps.
©Ron Hann

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