The Maryland Renaissance Festival - one of the largest events of its kind in the nation - has banned furry costumes at this year's fair.
The festival in Anne Arundel County, which began Aug. 29 and takes places every weekend until the end of October, lists fursuits on its list of prohibited headwear, as first reported by City Cast DC.
"All headwear must be removable, thematic to the event, and appropriate for a family-friendly venue," the festival says, adding that non-thematic headwear will not be allowed.
Patrons had complained about furries at the festival, telling staff they felt "uncomfortable by those wearing fursuits," Julius Smith, the Maryland Renaissance Festival’s general manager, told City Cast DC.
The change actually happened months
ago, with a Reddit user sharing a message from festival organizers that stated some people wearing fursuits were "problematic" by refusing to cooperate with festival staff and security.
"Festival patrons, staff and management must be respected in the long-term success of this show," the statement read.
What are furries?
Furries are people who have an interest in anthropomorphic animals - animals that are given human characteristics. Some create animal characters known as "fursonas" and participate in online communities, conventions and other events.
Some furries also wear elaborate costumes called fursuits, which can include animal heads, tails, paws and full-body suits.
Furries are not necessarily people who dress in animal costumes, however. Many participate in the community without ever wearing a fursuit, and the subculture encompasses everything from artists and writers to performers and collectors.
The community also overlaps with cosplay and other forms of costuming, making events where attendees are encouraged to dress up a natural gathering place for some furries. Renaissance festivals, in particular, can attract attendees in a wide variety of elaborate costumes, although those costumes may be subject to rules about fitting the event's theme.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Did the Maryland Renaissance Festival really ban furries?
