Romania is a photographer’s dreamland, particularly during year-end holiday celebrations. Orthodox churches overflow with worshipers in traditional regalia. City streets are packed with parades honoring local traditions. People of all ages from the Trotus River Valley don bear skins to perform generations-old bear-avatar rituals. In Cavnic, villagers re-enact the defeat of invading Tatars 300 years ago by donning the bell-laden Brondosi costumes that terrified the attacking army’s horses. Throughout Maramures, devils roam village streets asking for alms and processions of wild and wonderful characters celebrate the coming new year.