Dunkirk: Reactions over the use of blackface at a carnival A weeks-long carnival in the northern French port of Dunkirk is clouded by a controversy over the use of blackface after criticism from anti-racism campaigners. The event, usually attended by tens of thousands of people, sees locals dress up and parade through the streets in costumes. But this year's "Night of the Blacks" (Nuit des Noirs), where participants wear black make-up and clothing to resemble African tribal figures, which set to take place on March 10, is under particular scrutiny. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES from festival-goers reacting ahead of the eventREFILING TO CORRECT LEAD AND TITLE CLARIFYING THAT THE "NIGHT OF THE BLACKS" IS YET TO TAKE PLACE