Azuay provincial police chief Fuasto Tamayo has issued his annual pre-Carnival warning to the public: watch out for airbourne water balloons. The balloons are already flying in Cuenca’s historic district, he says, with tourists being favorite targets. Carnival is officially celebrated from February 12 to the 15.

The tradition of throwing water at friends and strangers alike, practiced mostly by school-aged children --little devils or “diablillos,” as they are known locally-- goes back more than 150 years in Latin America. Since the mid-1950s, balloons have been the delivery vehicle of choice, according to a police press release.

Tamayo says that police will step up street patrols in an effort to curb the practice but advises that the best protection is for pedestrians to keep an eye out for suspects. The chief also said that police will focus on schools, since upper level windows are favorite launching points.

He also said that unlicesned balloon sellers will be fined but added that it is not illegal for legitamate stores to sell them.

If caught, balloon throwers can face fines of $7 and spend several hours in jail. He also pointed out that carrying open buckets of water or other liquids in cars and trucks is prohibited by traffic law during the Carnival period.

Tamayo notes that balloon impacts can cause serious injury, especially in cases of “ice bombs.” He says there were three incidents in 2008 of injury from frozen water balloons.

Carnival has its roots in Italy and was originally the Catholic celebration preceding the absentance and penance practiced for 40 days prior to Good Friday. Today, the celebration is practiced world-wide but is especially popular in Latin America. An ancient celebration by Andean indigenous people, which included the throwing of flour and perfumed water, was incorporated into the tradition following the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

According the Ecuadorian lore, a Quito bishop who was the victim of a water attack, threated excommunication to perpetrators in the 1850s. The Vatican reportedly told him to relax.

Photo caption: Cuenca police warn pedestrians to watch out for pre-Carnival balloon throwers. Adolescents near water fountains should be held in particularly high suspicion.