UNITED KINGDOM, Whittlesey: Straw Bear Festival. Members of The Witchmen Morris dancers perform during the Straw Bear festival this weekend. A number of theories for the black face paint exist, from Moorish mimicry to a form of disguise.The three day festival, which originated in 1882, consists of traditional Molly, Morris, Clog and Sword dancing as well as parading a large straw character known as 'The Bear' through the town. Rick Findler  / Story Picture Agency