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December 31, 2007

Photo: Traditional New Year's scuffle in Romania

AP/Photo

Riot police try to hold villagers wearing fur masks at bay today before the start of the traditional annual confrontation in Ruginoasa, Romania, 400 kilometers north of Bucharest. Villagers from the hills and valleys engage in fights on the last day of every year in a centuries-old ritual that, according to locals, is meant to purge the evil spirits in their community. During the past few years, however, riot police have tried to keep the villagers from fighting each other because serious injuries often occur during the clashes.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 1:20 PM | Permalink

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