Toronto, Canada
These holidays have left me feeling a little sentimental. I realized how long it has been since I was travelling in South America and am starting to think it’s time to get back. New Years in Ecuador was one of the most memorable times of my travels
I cannot believe it was two years ago that I spent the holidays at Casa Cuencana. It feels like a few months ago. New Years in Ecuador is so much different than in Canada. Like many Latin America countries it is a holiday for families and there are so many New Years traditions in Ecuador that I had never heard.
The one I liked the best was creating an effigy of something that happened in the last year that you would like to leave behind. For me this was releasing my anger toward Whatsherface, who was so mean to me when I was lonely in Mexico. But it also symbolized letting go of all of that baggage.
Cuenca at New Years is the closest I have ever been to a place resembling a war zone.
The effigies are stuffed with fireworks and lit as soon as it becomes dark. The night is saturated with sounds of laughter, fire crackers, music and car alarms going off. Many Ecuadorians jump over the fire once for every month to bring good luck. The fire gets pretty big so doing all 12 is brave. In the video a child and I go first because we have the shortest legs. I did it that year and it was a lucky year.
I’m not sure people in Toronto would be so keen for me to light a fire in the middle of the street to jump over.
Feliz Año Nuevo
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I'm Ayngelina and in my mid-thirties. I left an amazing job, boyfriend, apartment and friends to find inspiration in Latin America. I'm creating a new life choosing what I want instead of what other people think I should do.
What a great way to experience New Year’s Eve.
My favorite overseas New Year’s was two years ago in Amsterdam. We climbed to the rooftop terrace of a friends apartment and dad a 360 fireworks extravaganza, bursts of light all over the city. Amazing. 
Krista recently posted..The Nice Thing About Tomorrows and Cranberry White Chocolate Scones
That sounds like a really special night.
Congratulations on all of the success and inspiration you’ve come across throughout your life! Keep enjoying it to the fullest!
Thank you so much, to you as well!
Love it!
Dangerous…yes, but it seems worth it.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..8 Travel highlights of 2012 and why it is important to think about it
I’m still alive!
Happy New Year!!!
To you as well!
Once you have been to South America it captures your heart and won’t let go. I have been to SA twice, but it has been 4 years since I have been last and am dying to go back. Only in SA do you get to jump through a bonfire-what a way to celebrate.
TammyOnTheMove recently posted..Welcome to the jungle
I am really hoping I get back down there this year, if only for a month or two!
That sounds really cool. I wish I’d had time to stop off in Cuenca. I travelled with a guy from there for almost a month though, so maybe I’ll have a chance to go back!
Arianwen recently posted..Why it’s best to get the jeep to Rurrenabaque
Feliz año nuevo, guapa!!!!
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