Almost as soon as Christmas is over Cuenca begins to prepare for the New Year. Vendors take down Christmas cards and lights. Inventory unsold Santa hats and Nativity sets and bring out the New Years items. Here it is not so much about greeting the New Year as it is saying good-bye to the old. Masks of political figures, the famous and infamous are sold for two dollars and everyone buys them. Dummies stuffed with newspapers, fireworks, vegetable and animal matter are built and erected around neighborhoods. These will be set on fire to get rid of the bad and make room for the good to come. Taxis and family cars are decorated with them. Young men in drag call themselves the widows and go about demanding candy, money and beer. Fireworks are set off all over the city. This along with the bonfires makes quite a spectacle. Some of the gringos living here tried to put a stop to the random fireworks and Cuencans said no dice. Love it or leave it. We got into the spirit early today and bought our masks. Note the two characters below. Apparently around 4 to 6 AM it comes to a halt and the city sleeps all day. No shops or restaurants open so we will need to be supplied for the day.
Prospero Ano
Sally
