The Masked Sayacas of Ajijic, Mexico
These cross-dressing, flour-throwing masked characters chase kids through the streets every Carnival, a tradition unique to the town of Ajijic, Mexico.
Forest Zayaco I
José de Jesus Romero Pérez dressed as a zayaco, a traditional character from the town of Ajijic, Mexico, which appears during the yearly Carnaval celebrations. He’s wearing a wooden mask which he carved himself. In an age of Hollywood and Halloween masks, José and his brothers help maintain the zayaco tradition of masks made from …
Forest Zayaco II
Aron Axael Romero Pérez dressed as a zayaco, a traditional character from the town of Ajijic, Mexico, which appears during the yearly Carnaval celebrations. He’s wearing a wooden mask carved by his brother. In an age of Hollywood and Halloween masks, Abel and his brothers help maintain the zayaco tradition of elegant dress and masks …
Forest Zayaco III
Abel Romero Pérez dressed as a zayaco (a traditional character from the town of Ajijic, Mexico) which appears during the yearly Carnaval celebrations. He’s wearing a wooden mask which his brother carved. In an age of Hollywood and Halloween masks, he and his brothers help maintain the zayaco tradition of elegant dress and masks made …
Zayaca Hiking His Dress
A zayaca hikes up his skirt during the Fiesta de San Sebastián in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico. You can read more about the zayacas of Ajijic in my photo series, The Masked Zayacas of Ajijic, Mexico.
Zayaca Throwing Confetti During Carnaval
A masked zayaca throws confetti on Carnaval in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico.
Zayacos & Sombreros
Masked zayacos wait to enter the bullring to begin Carnaval-related activities in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico. The zayacos are a part of the the town’s myriad local traditions. You can read more about the zayacas of Ajijic in my photo series, The Masked Zayacas of Ajijic, Mexico.
Zayacas Takedown I
A group of zayacas attack a man during the 2017 Carnaval activities in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico.
