A "Meckari" performer participates in the carnival in the Macedonian town of Prilep, on March 6, 2011. "Meckari" is a traditional mask worn by the butchers. With this custom they are trying to ransom their sins caused by butchering the animals. The Prilep Carnival, one of the few in the Republic of Macedonia, marks the beginning of Lent according to the Christian Orthodox calendar.