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April 16, 2002
Nostalgia, Otra Vez
The New York Times has an article about touristing in the Ecuadorian highlands during the holidays that makes me want to go back.
"After dinner, everyone went outside where effigies of men representing the old year were to be burned. We were given bags containing 12 grapes and told to make a wish as we ate each grape. A brass band loudly played for dancing and anyone standing still was at risk of being pulled into the fray. Always looking for a new partner was a masked woman dressed as the widow of the dying year; nearly every man and woman and child took a turn with her. The effigies were set afire, helped by splashes of kerosene, while the dancing was helped by slugs of the anise-flavored liquor called aguardiente, consumed from a common glass. At one point the band demanded its share. Refueled, it played on while the dancers took turns leaping over the bonfire and into the new year."
Posted by shannon at April 16, 2002 12:38 PM | For related posts: