Orthodox Jewish revellers dress in colourful costumes and even as Donald Trump ... trends now
Orthodox Jewish children and adults have been donning colourful outfits - and even a Donald Trump mask - while celebrating the ancient festival of Purim.
Youngsters in smart and eye-catching costumes were seen enjoying parties and parades in the north London district of Stamford Hill, believed to have Europe's largest concentration of Hasidic Jews.
There have also been festivities for the occasion in other parts of the UK including Manchester, in keeping with centuries-old tradition.
The Purim festival dates back 2,500 years and commemorates the survival of the Jewish people who had been lined up for death in ancient Persia.
Worshippers celebrate the courage of Esther, Queen of Persia, who prevented a genocide plotted by the King of Persia's adviser Haman - as related in the Bible's Old Testament Book of Esther.
Children in Stamford Hill, north London, have celebrated the ancient Jewish festival of Purim
One youngster was seen wearing a mask of former US President Donald Trump
Stamford Hill is believed to be home to Europe's largest concentration of Hasidic Jews
Worshippers traditionally mark Purim by wearing fancy dress and exchanging gifts
Jewish people traditionally hold processions as part of celebrations as well as going to work and to synagogues in special costumes.
One youngster in Stamford Hill was seen in a suit and Donald Trump mask, while others wore elegant gowns, coats and hats.
Others were earlier seen clad as Top Gun pilots, parrots and Canon cameras.
The events in Stamford Hill began on Saturday evening and continued to last night.
Anntoinette Bramble, deputy mayor of surrounding borough Hackney, welcomed Purim celebrations as 'such a colourful and cheerful event'.
She said: 'We’re proud that Hackney is a vibrant and diverse place where our community comes together to celebrate their faith.
'During this special festival, we extend our well wishes to everyone celebrating and hope that they also bring joy to the rest of the borough.'
People worldwide have been marching in parades wearing costumes in honour of Esther, who masqueraded as a non-Jew to unveil the plot against her people.
Parties and parades have been held by British Jewish communities for the occasion
Jewish people traditionally celebrate Purim by wearing smart outfits or fancy dress
The events in Stamford Hill began on Saturday evening and continued up to last night
Purim commemorates the survival of Jewish people lined up for death in ancient Persia
People taking part in festivities have been seen in elegant gowns, coats and hats.
A resident walks by a vintage double decker red bus during Stamford Hill's Purim celebrations
Another local was captured on camera walking past a closed shop in the north London district
A Jewish family celebrates the holiday of Purim, from the Book of Esther, in London on Sunday
People dressed in costumes celebrate Purim in Jerusalem on March 25, 2024
Her story is traditionally read aloud twice during Purim, in the evening and again the following morning.
The ritual observance of Purim begins with a day of fasting on Adar 13, the day preceding the actual holiday.
Drunkenness is usually discouraged by Jewish law but it is considered a mitzvah - or religious duty - to
