Protesters are testing the limits of Hong Kong’s mask ban on Halloween

Demonstrators in Hong Kong took to the streets in masks and colorful makeup, taking advantage of a truly ironic confluence of Halloween and a court challenge to Hong Kong’s recently enacted ban on face masks.

Masks have been a crucial aspect of the large protests that have engulfed Hong Kong for months. To shield themselves from police surveillance or tear gas, protesters have taken to covering their faces with gas masks and other face coverings. Challenges to the ban were heard in court today (Oct 31).

Mask-clad protestors focused their demonstration in Lan Kwai Fong, a popular party street packed with bars and restaurants that plays host every year to large celebrations on Halloween. Police responded by cordoning off the area and firing tear gas and pepper spray to break up the parties, and protests.

Photos show an array of the face coverings favored by protesters, including the ubiquitous Guy Fawkes masks, Joker makeup, and the face of Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam.