Established in Europe, in the Middle Ages, Carnival came to Mexico with the Spanish and during the colonial period was celebrated in one form or another. Its acceptance among the indigenous population stemmed from the fact that it coincided with various indigenous festivals, such as Nemontemi for the Nahuas and Cabik for the Mayas, both of which refer to the “lost days” of the Mesoamerican calendar, when faces were covered to repel or confuse evil. Its popularity during the rest of the colonial period continued because it was one time when normal rules could be broken, especially with the use of masks to hide identities from the authorities.