The night began with Sofie coming over and having a glass of wine and finally finding the right outfits. It's warm in Banos and NO COATS needed! Then we watched the full moon rise over a cloudless sky which illuminated the Andes and the valley of Banos.
Walking down the streets we first saw the 50' tall puppet of Obama, a gargantuan globe with trash icons imbedded all over it, and political messages surrounding. At midnight this is to go up in flames... Down each street were puppets of regular people folk, famous folk, monsters, imaginary creatures, etc... all to go up in flames at midnight. The symbolism is to release all the negative energy of the previous year (ano viejo) and open up to recieve goodness.
The entire village was a fiesta, not only with us who live here, but people from all over the world celebrating in the streets... dancing, laughing, kissing, hugging, drinking beer, talking, squeeling to see old friends, squeeling when they recognized friends who were dressed like it was Halloween!
Right before midnight made our way to Yvonne, Edith and Fabian's home to have our 'private' celebration and eat some delicious home cooking. Then off to the bars to dance! By 4:30am I was completely BEAT, so headed home, head slightly spinning. :)
Possibly the BEST new years I've ever experienced!
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