The evening started out a little slow for us. We heard at 5:00 P.M. there was going to be an exhibit of pictures showing the Pase del Nino, (which means...Passing of the Christ Child,) but after hiking around El Centro, we couldn't figure out where the exhibit was being held. However, we did get to see the nativity scene that was set up at San Francisco Plaza.
Instead of wasting more time looking for the photo exhibit, we decided to walk back and watch the formal ceremony at the Old Cathedral.
As we approached the cathedral, we could see a band playing behind the gate, and we were encouraged to go inside the church...so we did. That probably wasn't the best choice. It ended up being a lot of speeches by different dignitaries, which we couldn't understand due to our lack of Spanish. After about 45 minutes, we quietly bowed out and decided to head down to San Blas Plaza where there was suppose to be ethnic dancers, some singers, and fireworks. As we walked down the street, we noticed that the Christmas lights were lit for the first time this season.
When we arrived we knew this was the best choice we made all night. The music was already playing and several groups were getting ready to dance. The crowd was lively and excited to be there.
(Okay...my next few pictures aren't the best. The main stage had different color lights flashing all night, which didn't help. Plus, I had trouble focusing on the dancers.)
Lance and I stood with the crowd and watched as different groups got up to dance. People danced with baskets, shawls, ponchos, and/or handkerchiefs. Some wore shoes and others danced barefoot. Everyone looked like they were having a great time.
In between dance groups there were a couple of singers that took the stage. There were also two MC's who had questions for the audience. If you answered correctly, you won a prize! Toward the end of the evening a long line of students who looked like they attended a military school cleared a spot in front of the stage so people in the crowd could come up and dance.
It wasn't too long before Lance and I were approached by two young ladies and asked to dance. The picture below is a photo of one of Lance's dance partners. Sorry...I don't have a picture of mine.
We barely got back to our spot, when we were asked again by someone else to dance. This time, I was partnered with a handsome young man.
I know I look like a big blur in this picture, but that is no doubt due to the fact that my feet had to move so fast to keep up with him. (Just kidding!) Since I had no idea how to move my feet like his, I had to resort to a two step polka. The songs were unusually long and it was exhausting...but lots of fun!
When we returned to our spots in the crowd, several of the older ladies cheered for us. Meanwhile, on the stage the MC's were speaking and pointing in our direction. We looked behind us, but everyone in the crowd told us they were talking to us and we were to go up on stage. Yikes...earlier in the evening someone had gone up there and had to do a dance with a very talented older man. As we dragged our feet over to the stairs I kept hoping we wouldn't have the same fate.
We walked across the stage and the MC gave a short speech...but I had no idea what he said. Then, he handed Lance and I a gift and everyone clapped. What a heart warming experience. Our best guess is that he was congratulating the two gringos in the crowd that were willing to dance with the others. How nice to get such a warm welcome from these kind, friendly people.
When we returned to the crowd we were greeted by a young man and middle aged Ecuadorian woman. Much to our surprise, the man was a fellow Wisconsinite who lived in Madison. He was here to do volunteer work for 6 months at one of the orphanages. While in Cuenca, he was staying with the woman. We had a nice conversation with them.
Then...it was time for the fireworks. What a show...loud, flashy, with sparks flying everywhere...and people running up to have their pictures taken in front of the tower.
Finally it was time to head back to our apartment. I bet some of you are wondering what we got for a gift. It was wrapped, so we had no idea what it was until we got home. Take a look below...
It was just another wonderful day for us in Cuenca, Ecuador. Chao!
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