The fight began early at eleven minutes before six. Here was one of the first explosions of feathers as a couple of pillows burst.

As the fight gained in fury, and as the pillows flew, in the shadow below the battle a boy picked up feathers.

At least two women wore goggles that night, although one pair provided no protection against attack from the rear.

A short video segment showed the fight starting early. Note that it was still seven minutes before six, the official starting time.

Young and teenaged children fought alongside the adults.

Defense played an equal role in the battle. Here a pillow could provide head protection, or another pillow could protect the face.

Dozens if not hundreds of phones were used that evening to document the battle being waged In Justin Herman Plaza.

Despite the absence of snow in San Francisco, it is occasionally emulated with soap, ice shavings, or as here with feathers in February.

A high-def video of the battle taking place slightly over two minutes early in Justin Herman Plaza that evening.

As the clock in the Ferry Building tower struck six, the battle was just taking a momentary breather before starting again, this time with fresh arrivals.