Traditional Ecuadorian New Year's Eve celebrations are definitely different than what we are used to in the US. The popular way to celebrate here is by burning effigies. It's all about burning away the bad things from the past year, "out with the old, in with the new." Masks are placed on them and made to look like politicians, celebrities, or cartoon characters. Some of them contain fireworks which makes for an interesting display. Another tradition is one where men dress as women, block traffic with ropes, and then collect a "toll" in order for traffic to pass. Allegedly, the money collected is given to a charity. And of course fireworks are popular and light up the skies at midnight. Below are some pictures from New Year's Eve in Cuenca, Ecuador.
The effigies come in many sizes and styles.
A variety of masks to choose from.
The effigies were seen being transported on bicycles, taxis, buses, and cars.
CNN? Not sure what this was about.
These guys were each trying on the wig.
Here are some pictures taken around town after dark.
Here are Mike and neighbor Nancy modeling their 2015 eyewear.
Too cute, great pictures. One of the masks looks like La Befana the Italian witch who brings the children their presents on January 6 - Epiphany. Glad to see you are thriving down there.
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