Masked Zayaca

A masked zayaca in Ajijic, Mexico, waits during Carnaval for his next victim, a child who will likely run away in delight after receiving a face full of flour. The week-long celebration ends on the day of Carnaval, also known as Mardi Gras, with an even larger and more festive parade featuring dozens of floats and attended by several thousand. The zayacas of Ajijic add a unique touch to a worldwide celebration of Catholics cutting loose at the 11th hour before the 40 days of abstinence during Lent.