BELLINGHAM — Little ninjas, cowboys, pirates and princesses scampered around the Bloedel Donovan Community building Sunday, as more than 150 people celebrated at the annual Purim Carnival.

The Jewish holiday celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people by Esther, as told in the biblical book of the same name. In the book, Esther courageously persuades her king, Ahasuerus, to prevent his arrogant adviser Haman from exterminating the Jewish people.

Carnival-goers Sunday ate traditional Hamantashen, three-pronged cookies said to resemble Haman’s hat, and children played games including an “Aimin’ at Haman” bag toss and “Ring around Haman’s neck” ring game.

Adults and children alike wore festive costumes and many participated in Israeli dances as local band What the Chelm played traditional klezmer music.

“It’s almost like the Mardi Gras feel, where you dress up,” said Tracey Levine, a coordinator for the event, which has been held in Bellingham by Beth Israel Synagogue for more than 30 years.

Originally, celebrants wore costumes in the image of the story’s characters, and participated in a play that told the story, said co-organizer Geraldine Reitz. Now, children in particular use the festive holiday as a reason to dress in whatever costume they choose.

Levine said Conservative, Reform and Orthodox Jews join interfaith and non-Jewish families at the Bellingham event.

Marigold Scott attended the Purim — her first as she undergoes the process of converting to Judaism — with friends.

“As we got to know the people in our conversion group they all talked about how fun (Purim) is,” said Scott, who dressed along with her friends in a leopard print outfit.

Chrystine Goldberg said she brought her 3-year-old son even though her family isn’t Jewish.

“We just wanted to watch the band and see what (Purim) was all about,” she said.