Ecuador New Year's Eve and Day

We ventured out to a small park and gathering place about 9pm on New Year's Eve. We didn't stay long, however, as the people were becoming louder and louder. We are gringos and therefore could become targets for theft. Parents, however, brought children to ring in the new year.

A contrast presented itself in the park that we walked to. On the one hand a band was set up with a stage and the noise decibles had to be at jet engine levels with a small group of listeners swaying to the music. On the other hand a younger woman was passing out religious flyers. The citizens of Quito partied into the wee hours of the morning to help bring in the New Year. Occasionally a police siren could be heard when revelers got out of control.

We, however, awoke to near silence in the city in the morning. From our window, and later when we walked, we could see burn marks on the streets where each "muneca" went up in flames.

We took a long walk after breakfast to familiarize ourselves with our neighborhood. The following pictures give a feel for what we saw.

Avis with a sports complex in the background near our apartment.

 

Rock climbing is part of the complex.

 

New Year's Day parade by indigenous people.
Mary and the baby Jesus.

 

The faithful had their pictures taken in front of the statue.
They were visibly moved when touching it.
 

 

Walt and Avis