Playing dress-up: Eccentric costume festivals for grown-ups

By Daisy Carrington, for CNN

Updated 1428 GMT (2228 HKT) October 3, 2013

Many of those attending the Wave-Gotik-Treffen music festival in Leipzig, Germany wear elaborate outfits and makeup. The range of style is surprisingly diverse.
Photos:
Wave-Gotik-Treffen music festival – Many of those attending the Wave-Gotik-Treffen music festival in Leipzig, Germany wear elaborate outfits and makeup. The range of style is surprisingly diverse.
Hide Caption
1 of 12
The Up Helly Aa festival celebrates the influence of the Scandinavian vikings in the Shetland Islands. The event culminates with up to 1000 'guizers' (men in costume) throwing flaming torches into a Viking longship.
Photos:
Up Helly Aa – The Up Helly Aa festival celebrates the influence of the Scandinavian vikings in the Shetland Islands. The event culminates with up to 1000 'guizers' (men in costume) throwing flaming torches into a Viking longship.
Hide Caption
2 of 12
The Venice Carnival is famous for the elaborate masks worn by the city's revelers. The festival, which supposedly has its origins in the 12th century, attracts nearly 3 million visitors each year.
Photos:
Venice Carnival – The Venice Carnival is famous for the elaborate masks worn by the city's revelers. The festival, which supposedly has its origins in the 12th century, attracts nearly 3 million visitors each year.
Hide Caption
3 of 12
The Burning Man festival takes place yearly in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. Many participants opt to wear costumes (or body paint). This year, the festival attracted 61,000 attendees.
Photos:
Burning Man – The Burning Man festival takes place yearly in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. Many participants opt to wear costumes (or body paint). This year, the festival attracted 61,000 attendees.
Hide Caption
<