My friend Cristina introduced me to her hometown of Tempoal, Veracruz during La Viejada – an annual Mexican folkloric carnival of masked dancers. The event takes place over four days and includes hundreds of residents of all ages dressed in a diverse display of vibrant costumes. Some of the traditional dance groups included are – los viejos (the old men), los diablos (the devils), las catrinas (an icon symbolizing the cycle of life and death) and las muxes (men dressed as women). Celebrating and honouring the dead, the mischievous and playful masked dancers cackle, howl and stomp while sipping homemade, fruit-flavoured alcohol. They parade through the streets, dancing their way to the local cemetery. Severiano and Alejandrito are Cristina's cousins who participate in La Viejada every year with their father, Alejandro.