A girl wears a mask in the Purim (a Jewish festival) celebration, Jerusalem on March 5, 2007. Unlike Purim festivities in other parts of the world, Purim in Israel is very much a public holiday. It is marked by street carnivals, parades and public celebrations of food, music, dancing and laughter. Children and adults alike adorn their colorful costumes on the bus, at work, in school, synagogue and with friends. (Xinhua) |