In Ecuador, the Carnival celebration is a little different than in other countries. Before the Spanish came along, the indigenous people had a celebration that was held at the second moon. People threw flour, flowers, and perfumed water at each other, in a celebration to honor their chief and to say thanks to Mother Earth.
After the Spaniards came along, the Catholic tradition of Carnival was merged with the indigenous tradition. The result is a crazy fun couple of days!
Weeks before Carnival, stores and street vendors start selling cans of foam in preparation for the big event. In Peguche, Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday are the big celebration days. I went to Peguche with 4 other people. We actually went to visit a couple of artisans to watch how they make blankets, sweaters, scarfs, and musical instruments. The craziness of Carnival was just an added benefit!
Claudia covered in foam
As you walk down the street, you never know when someone is going to run up to you and spray you with foam. If you don’t have your own can of foam, you’re a sitting duck. Trucks will drive by with a bed full of people and barrels of water; as they pass you get pummeled with water. Kids hang out on the sidewalks in front of their houses with water hoses, just waiting to spray whoever walks by. People are throwing water balloons. People drive by in their cars with their windows slightly rolled down and spray pedestrians with foam as they pass.
The craziest fun happens at Cascada de Peguche. There is a narrow path you have to walk along to get to the waterfall, so when the attacks start you have nowhere to hide. People at the cascades also use some type of paint in the water, so you’re not only wet but also look like a rainbow. The party doesn’t end until everyone is soaked.
Back in Cotacachi, it’s quiet. You see the occasional water gun or can of foam, but Gringos are pretty much left alone.
Water-throwing during Carnival has been banned in many places in Ecuador; I for one am glad to have experienced this wild custom!