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Carvell · Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 1

What are the best places in MAINLAND Ecuador to spend New Years and Christmas this year? Could be two different places? Not real big on huge cities so if I have my choice Quito and Guayaquil would be out but hey if that's the only party going I guess I would consider it.

Thanks,

Gilroy · Joined: 06 Oct 2006 Posts: 3

I spent Christmas in Banos a couple of years ago! There is a coffee shop that is owned by a gentleman from Loveland, CO. If he still owns it, he has a Christmas Eve dinner. I went out salsa dancing Christmas night with peeps from our hostel! We had a fantastic time and a lot stays open there. It seems like Christmas is more of a religious holiday versus a commercial one.

I would also stay away from big cities on New Years. I forget what they call it, but they blow up figures and paper mache objects - to get rid of the bad things of the year. I was staying in Guayaquil the night before New Years and they did not stop until 4am. I had a 6am flight!

Eagan · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 2

Hi, I live in Quito and will also be spending my first New Years Eve here. In fact, I am returning from the states to get back in time to celebrate.
New Years Eve is a family gathering for many...and a party for others. In the streets you will see the puppets being burned. People stick their "thoughts" or events from the previous year into the puppets and burn them. People also have a tradition related to eating grapes and wearing a certain color of underwear that I am interested in learning about and experiencing this year.
Although many traditions happen inside the home, you can always find a party in Ecuador