In Tramin Italy, the Schnappviecher are large, many toothed beasts represented by forty pound costumes who invade the village in a symbolic fight with farmers and butchers. The latter symbolically slaughter the costumed men in protection of the village and its livestock.

In Austis, Sardinia, Colonganos masks and costumes are worn by the adherents of an ancient tradition.
Covered almost completely, these masqueraders trade their cowbells for rattling animal bones.
A sacrificial wild boar masquerader is then symbolically bludgeoned and killed.

Empfingen Germany still maintains the tradition of the straw bear.
Faces are hidden and bodies are covered in straw-laden costumes.
Representing winter, these figures visit homes and beg for food in exchange for entertainment.

Near the Black Forest (Schwarzwald), in Germany, Krampusnacht is a festival of merriment and fright.
Though ill-behaved children are punished by the Krampus, good ones are visited by him alongside Saint Nick. The running of the demigod Krampus aims to frighten children into good behavior.

In Scotland, the burryman is an pagan figure who dons a complete suit of burs and flowers collected locally.
Holding two flowered staffs and supported by two men, he makes his rounds, accepting whiskey in exchange for luck and chasing away malevolent spirits.

Nuuttipukki, is a Finnish Yule festival which features strange shamans hidden behind masks and outlandish outfits.
Unless this mischievous goat-Santa figure receives gifts of food and liquor, he brings misfortune to the village instead of luck.