Weird Make-up of Boys in Mexican Carnival

From Xinhua

Indigenous boys painted with oil and ash and wearing wrestler's masks pose during a traditional event in San Nicholas de los Ranchos in the state of Puebla, about 100km (62 miles) east of Mexico City, March 13, 2007. The tradition dates back to the 17th century, during which the young men of the village go out to scare away evil spirits after Carnival.

Are they frightening Ghosts?