Photos: Epic mock battle rages in Spain

A man takes part in the mock battle of Enfarinats, celebrating Els Enfarinats on Friday, December 28 in Ibi, Spain. Citizens of Ibi annually celebrate the festival with a mock battle using flour, eggs and firecrackers. During the festival, a group of men called Els Enfarinats take control of the village for one day pronouncing ridiculous laws and fining the citizens that infringe them. An opposing group called La Oposicio battles them and tries to restore order. At the end of the day the money collected from the fines is donated to charitable causes in the village. The festival has been celebrated since 1981 after the town of Ibi recovered the tradition, but the origins remain unknown.

Revellers in fancy dress walk toward the battle on December 28.

A man throws eggs during Els Enfarinats on December 28.

People celebrate the battle on December 28.

A man throws flour during the battle on December 28.

A man takes a break from the battle to smoke on December 28.

A man in military dress takes part in the battle of Enfarinats on December 28.

A military-dressed man is pulled by others at Els Enfarinats on December 28.

A military-dressed man with flour and eggs on his face poses for a photograph on December 28.

A military-dressed man stands inside a mock jail on December 28.

A reveler poses for a photograph on December 28.

Men walk through the mock battle of Enfarinats on December 28.

A man participates in the mock battle of Els Enfarinats on December 28.