“Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.” – Oscar Wilde

April 1st, Skopje, Macedonia…

As soon as the night covers the city they start coming out…Action heroes, Osamas, Fallen angels, Venice gondoliers (without the gondolas), Japanese geishas, Transgendered Snow Whites and dwarfs, Surfers (who have lost the way to the beach)… Raising from the concrete, on this day, they turn the city into a world of fantasy and parade of kitsch. An opportunity for liberation of the spirit, demonstration of creativity and reflection of our vulgar reality.

In Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, as well as other cities around the country, April Fool’s Day is commonly celebrated by unofficial carnival parties and processions in public places. Children, youths and adults alike dress up in costumes. The festive spirit continues to odd hours. This tradition has been fairly recent and has developed over the last 10 years.

These photos were taken on April Fool’s Day in Skopje over the last three years.