Sunday Parades

There were several parades in our neighborhood (the historic district of Cuenca) today. Lots of music, dancing, horses, and children in costumes. Not sure what the reason was, but it doesn't matter. It was great!

The morning started with a parade down our street, Mariscal Lamar. 

Shortly afterwards we walked the two blocks to Parque Calderon, the main park in the city center, and saw another parade that was forming. 

We then walked a few blocks down Calle Larga, to the Merced district, and there again, another parade was forming!

Then, as we were walking down Mariscal Lamar, toward Avenida de Las Americas, we walked upon a street party. I love how they blocked the street. The bus drivers weren't too happy about this. 

Friend and neighbor, Stephen Turpin, took some excellent photos. I'm sure he won't mind me sharing. 

And that's another day in Cuenca. 

Year in Review

We have completed our first full year in Ecuador. Below is a 12-month photo summary. 

We arrived in Quito in January. This is our first experience with cuy (guinea pig)!

February 15th we arrived in Cuenca. Our new home. 

By the time March rolled around we had developed close friendships. 

In April, I visited the City of Saraguro with my Spanish class. 

Mother's Day surprise visit in May!

In June, we said goodbye to Mike's sister Peggy. 

Our friend Joe visited in July. 

We visited the City of Paute in August. 

Visiting with Mike's dear friend Star in September. 

In October we said goodbye to Mike's niece Jennifer. 

November was a time to celebrate in Cuenca. Tres de Noviembre and The Day of The Dead. 

December and Christmas in Cuenca. 

Parade of The Innocents

If the calendar indicates a holiday you can rest assured that the 500,000 residents of Cuenca are going to celebrate. And last night was no exception. Here is how Epiphany is celebrated in our city:

Life is good!

Happy New Year

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. 

Happy New Year!