Chinelo up close

Photographer: Marty Heller and Michelle Ferrarese
From: Tepoztlan adventures

Chinelo up close

The traditional Carnaval costume in Tepoztlan-- they incorporate bearded masks, elaborate velvet robes and headresses, images of everything from Quetzlcoatl to Mickey Mouse, and there's even an ice cream flavor (Nieve de Chinelo) named after them. But what ARE they??