New Year's Eve Celebrations

It's been a whirlwind of activities since Christmas.  The Ecuadorians have many traditions and celebrations and I'm enthralled by all of them (and I'm just beginning to learn about them).  I am impressed with how they honor their traditions and the indigenous clothing--not only for celebrations, but I see inhabitants dressed in their unique clothing every day on the street. 

     On New Year's Eve during the day, I walked to Parque Calderon where there is always activity.  That day more parades and interesting people.  On my way to the park (and later in the evening), I took a few pictures of effigies that would be burned at midnight.  Each representation of a person/people is chosen by the maker and a "story" goes along with the effigy--it could be someone they were angry with or this first one seems to be complimentary to the current Ecuadorian president.

I'm not sure about the story of these:

 

This one was on the patio at Coffee Tree, a cafe where expats often meet.

Numerous masks for sale, including Smurfs and Spiderman.

Another big sale item and tradition for women:  wearing yellow panties to bring wealth in the new year.   I wore mine!

 A small parade included more children in delightful costumes:

One of the special mangers with "dressed" baby Jesus

And these beautiful girls in the park:

 And these merry makers:

A friend and I went to dinner at an Ecuadorian restaurant, El Maiz, for a wonderful dinner; then, went to California Kitchen for their NY Eve Celebration.  The attendees were a great mix of expats and Ecuadorians who met old and new friends, enjoyed the snacks, drank, danced, laughed and had a great time.  At midnight, we went out on the street to see the burning of effigies and jumping the fire--I didn't participate in that activity.

 

Street parties everywhere; bands performing and people dancing.

Lots of lighted decorations by the Tomebamba River

The celebrations, music and fireworks continued.   Yesterday there were more parades; I think it had something to do with the Epiphany--didn't quite the complete explanation.  

More adventures, more pictures to be published soon.  This year started superbly.