Holiday Time Again, Part 2

On the previous installment, I failed to post the finished product in our reception area.

Some of us had festive nails. 

This is Vicky Reyes that paints our festive nails.  Vicky will come to your house for manis and pedis.

The morning of the 24th was spent in El Centro for the Paseo de Nino Viajero. We planted ourselves near San Sebastian. The children's Christmas parade is a huge tradition in Cuenca.  It is about tradition.  Much time and money are spent on the prepartions.  Most of the costumes are rented.  The cost of renting a cholita outfit for a small girl is around $15.  Many of the families have multiple children.  The ornateness of the gifts displayed on the strollers, horses, and floats are elaborate and are an additional expense.  The tradition implies such an importance that  a family will spend much of a small income in order to participate.

 

Everyone wanted to get in the act.

Three spectators.

The easy way to go.

This guy was dressed for the occasion.

The parade begins. 

 

 

This is one of my favorites.

 

We were seated across from Hogar Miguel Leon.  Here are some of the residents.

 Residents and possible future residents.

Residents

Is there a baby in there?

The most popular kid on the block, she has bottles of rum attached.

 

 

"He represents the Lolipop Guild."

 

Some stay for the entire parade.  We stayed for only a couple of hours.  The entire duration is at least 8 hours.

A new tradition for us was begun this Christmas Eve, Noche Buena.  The Schunks hosted a soup supper.  Everyone brought a soup.  Here are some of them heating.  It was a great evening.

From the terrace as night approaches.

Fireworks were launched from down Ordonez Laso.  The viewing was from the terrace.

Regardless of where you live, Christmas is about tradition.  As children, we had Christmas traditions, perhaps it was the positioning of an ornament on the tree, the actual decorating of the tree, or the Christmas Eve dinner.  There are traditions here as well, traditions that have lasted for decades.  However, it's never too late to start a new one.

Until next time,
Mick and Kathy