Oualid Khelifi - Multimedia Author

Thousands of Nabatîyé Shia muslims head to the town's centre in the morning to assist Ashoura ceremony

Youngsters prepare to cut their scalps with daggers as per the Ashoura ritual. The practice of self-mutilation is to commemorate the assassination of Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of the prophet Mohammed.

Two local Shia kids head with their families towards the town's centre to get initiated for the Ashoura ritual.

A young man on walking sticks being assisted down the stairs of Nabatîyé central mosque after having performed the ritual.

Young men chanting 'Haydar', brave-heart in English, in reference to the venered to Ali Ibn Abi Talib, 4th caliphate in Islam, cousin and son-in-law of prophet Mohammed. Shia muslims consider Ali as their first Imam.

A seller of fruit-juices opens his shop after having observed Ashoura's head self-mutilation.

Kinsmen from two generations get organised for a family portrait.

Lebanese Red Cross on stand-by to provide first aid throughout the entire ceremony.

Professionals actors are hired to feature in street processions emulating the “Battle of Karbala”, a major historical event which took place in late 7th century, and still considered as the trigger of rivalry between Shia and Sunni muslims.

A kid selling water for worshippers to wash.

The same kid joins the community in celebration after a morning of work.

Wife chose to not self-mutilate her scalp, but she is still celebrating the occasion with her husband.

Shia muslims from Nabatiya joining family and friends on the parades without having performed the ritual. The man wears a mask due to sensitiveness towards the smell of blood.

A young girl sits by an elderly member of the community to watch celebration.

Teenage girls eating lunch after having attended the parades and carried the ritual.

A local woman walking up the main street towards the end of Ashoura festivities.

Local men converse as the crowds begin to disperse

A man leaves behind his Ashoura outfit towards the end of the celebration after having changed and washed off.

A local man smokes a cigarette while waiting for the Nabatîyé-Beirut minibus to fill up at the end Ashoura's festivities.

A teenager on a bus heading home to his native village in the vicinity of Nabatîyé after having attended Ashoura day.