There is a tradition, apparently unique to Ajijic, of masked zayacas appearing in the parades. During the days of parades in the Carnaval leading to Fat Tuesday, or Marde Gras, the zayacos, mostly men and boys, dress up in women's clothes with greatly exaggerated curves achieved by stuffing balloons in the dresses with faces hidden by masks.
Much to the delight of the young boys in town, they are chased by the zayacos and doused with flour. However, no one is safe from the flour treatment handed out.
Two boys hiding behind Dad in anticipation of the parade of the zayacos.
They look so friendly, but notice the bags which hold the flour!
Dancing in the streets.
This is Dane Strom who, amongst many photo projects in Mexico, has a good description of these events on his blog page. Dane's blog
Another look at a couple of the actors. The Zayacos, who play a big part in the fiestas, stem from a pre-hispanic tradition that evolved after the arrival of the Spaniards.The men dress up in women's clothes for the purpose of making fun of what the natives considered pretentious Euro style clothing.
This young chap had caught a head full of flour.
This is a chance to pummel a buddy and thoroughly coat with flour.
The parades are followed by the cowboys or charros'
The major parade occurs on Carnaval (Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday) which is a big day for the this and other events, food stalls etc before the quiet 40 days of Lent. This parade is a bit different to the prior ones as now, in addition to the zayacos there is a parade of decorated floats.
A photo-op before the Carnaval starts.
This is one of the floats and will eventually carry the carnaval princess.
On their way to the parade starting point.
This was about the only shot we got of the princess.
Just loved these "cowgirls".
Creative bull-riding set up. This town knows how to have a good time!
We managed to find a spot to watch the parade which turned out to be right where the floats, bands and marchers all got into position. Needless to say it was pretty chaotic, but the transit police sorted it all out.
It was wonderful to see young girls all dressed up and on horseback. It was amazing to see how well all of the horses behaved in all of the hectic and loud goings on.
This dress was really beautiful.
These two brothers maintain the zayacos tradition, with these wooden masks carved by one of the brothers.
The Virgin of Guadalupe always has a special place in Mexican parades.
One of the floats had a large mattress with flour heaped on it. The zayacos riding on this float would leap off and grab an unsuspecting boy and throw him onto this flour heap with the result you can see above.
No bystanders are immune and this flour is quite difficult to remove. However, everyone seemed to be having a blast.
Even gringos are not safe this day, we got slightly dusted, but not to this level.
We also saw several zayacos dousing the local police who are fair game this time of the year and take it all in good humor.
Stay tuned for more fun in the Mexican sun.
