Abstract
An interesting ritual motif can be studied transversally in European areas from antiquity to contemporary times: the performances of men disguised - and acting - as animals at certain times of the year. These performances did not usually occur during ofϐicial celebrations, but during popular festivals.
For centuries, these ritual practices were harshly criticized and discouraged by the Church. Nevertheless, they have proven very resilient and enduring, to the point of reaching our late modern times.