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IN PICTURES: Dunkirk - France's craziest carnival

The Local
The Local - [email protected].fr
Published: 28 Feb, 2017 CET. Updated: Tue 28 Feb 2017 08:54 CET
IN PICTURES: Dunkirk - France's craziest carnival

There was plenty of colour at the Dunkirk Carnival in northern France this weekend, with the streets teeming with people demanding "the herring they deserve". Seriously.

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The annual festival kicked off on Sunday with an estimated 40,000 revellers taking to the streets.
 
 
The carnival is known for its colourful vibe, with locals and tourists alike taking the chance to dress up and march, dance, and sing.
 
 
Many people wear yellow fishermen's coats, as the tradition dates back to when local fishermen would feast before heading off to sea. Documents suggest the carnival has origins as far back as 1676. 
 
 
The march is capped off by the crowd chanting that they want the "herring they deserve", and 450 kilos of herring is then thrown to the crowd from the balcony of the Town Hall. 
 
Only in France, you might say.
 
Take a look at some of the colourful characters from 2017's festivities:
 

It all kicked off with the black cat ball.

Revellers filled the streets till late.

And the colourful costumes didn't disappoint.

Even Ecology Minister Ségolène Royal made an appearance.

Umbrellas and plumage were popular as ever.

The carnival could soon be protected under UNESCO world heritage.

The music was in full swing too.

The carnival ends with everyone gathering together for the "rigodon", joining hands to sing the carnival's anthem

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