Feature: Massive pillow fight jolts downtown Vancouver

A massive street fight erupted in downtown Vancouver on Saturday afternoon, but no blood was spilt nor injuries reported as the "weapons" of choice in the clash were pillows.

The Vancouver Pillow Fight is a flash mob that has been held annually for 10 years. Similar pillow fight events are held in dozens of major cities around the world.

The event aims to bring people together to create unique scenes in busy public spaces.

Event organizer Maverick Valentine told Xinhua that the pillow fight in front of the central art gallery appears to have attracted a record number of pillow fighters to battle it out for about 15 minutes.

"You know, a lot of these groups like to get together and just decompress. A lot of people like to have fun. Kids come here obviously because there's a sense of play and spirit, and adults want to come because they want to decompress from the week and it's a novel experience. Obviously people are having a really good time," Valentine said.

The pillow fight drew a massive crowd of onlookers keen to get a glimpse of the commotion that was certainly out of place in the city's central business district.

A man who call himself "El Pillow De Mayo" was one of the exciting participants in the fight.

"Lots of fun. This has been going on for 10 years. I think I've made about five of them at least. And it's just a fun time, then why not?"

He said the friendly clash was a great way to let off steam, adding that he had put up quite a fight.

To stay in the good grace of city authorities, the Vancouver Pillow Fight organizers called on participants to fight only among themselves and to help clean up the feathers after the battle, as they will come back next year.

Saturday is the International Pillow Fight Day. Massive pillow fights take place in over 100 cities around the world each year on the day of April 4. Endi