New Years in Ecuador

First off Feliz Nuevo Ano!!!!! My fellow readers I must say that this New Years is nothing anyone could ever experience in the states! I never seen this type of New Years party in my young life. I went to Montanita, my favorite beach/party town. I have a blog about Montanita if you need a refresher on such a great place. There is a tradition here in Ecuador that when bringing in the New Year they burn these life size dolls called Ano Viejo. When translated literally it means old year. They buy these dolls and dress them up and when it strikes midnight there are fires on the beach, on the streets with these dolls burning. It is a sight to see! There are all type of characters; Woody from Toy Story, Micheal Jackson, Simpson's, even presidents from the United States and Ecuador. Most people put fireworks in the dolls and when they go in the fire there is this big explosion of fireworks and dolls blowing up. I did not know what to do with myself, but enjoy bringing the New Year in on the Beach. One thing I found amazing beside the burning dolls was that there was maybe a group of 20 surfers that brought the New Year in surfing. It was the most liberating thing for me. Everyone did what made them happy and I could not do anything but respect that. I will never forget this New Year, for Ecuador is the only country that burns dolls for the New Year, to my knowledge. I can say I was apart of that. I cannot forget the people who run around two days before New Years dress live devils making this loud noise. Its kind of scary, but a tradition none the less. They do these little dances for the tourist its so funny! If you cannot find a reason to go study abroad let it be bringing in a new year in another country be one of your reasons.