The Strohmann (Straw Man) of German rural mythology has been variously interpreted as a Wild Man, a personification of lust and a symbol of winter Photograph: Charles Fréger
From Bansko in Bulgaria, the masked Babugeiri, dressed in goat skins, hold a procession on 1 January. They originally symbolised fertility Photograph: Charles Fréger
From the Basque country, the Juantramposo, a masquerade performed only by single young men and women, appears on Shrove Tuesday to join a huge procession of other mythical beasts like the Momottxorro (half-man, half-bull) Photograph: Charles Fréger
From Italy, these horned creatures are often three metres high and appear on Shrove Tuesday to spread terror on the streets of the wine village of Tramin. Their origin is unknown Photograph: Charles Fréger
Goat characters appear across Romania, but in Corlata, the Stag is the central character, surrounded by dancers who resurrect the figure after it is ritually slain Photograph: Charles Fréger
