CHRISTMAS
It was both delightful and interesting to experience Christmas in a country other than the United States. There were similarities and differences. There were some decorations throughout the town, but not near the quantitiy as in the US. The main square had a huge decorated tree and some lights strung over the streets. Some houses had Christmas trees inside and some had small adornments outside. In my mind it was just enough and not overdone.
A few days before Christmas we watched a live nativity. There was a lot of singing and narration in Spanish, so I was glad I knew the story!
Fireworks are a huge thing in Cuenca. You actually hear them every day at all hours of the day. The loud noises often set off car alarms because they set the fireworks off so close to cars, people and everything. At first it sounded like some kind of war in the distance, but now I know it is just more fireworks. When they put on an actual fireworks show, it is incredible. Before Christmas they had a show that went on for hours. It went on so late into the night that Lindsay and I were unable to stay for its entirety. But we highly entertained before that. They make these firework castles that are structures made of wooden frames. They are made in three huge parts and are put together just before they set them off. Once assembled, they are too tall to be moved, so they have to wait until the last minute to finish the construction. There were three humongous castles and they lit them one at a time, with dancing,singing and smaller firework performances in the streets in between. There was one in which two people held huge papier mache people on top of them. They danced around with them for a long time, with loud music playing, and eventually they lit them! There were fireworks attached on strings, so the fireworks would go off and on for quite a while. It was definitely something I had never seen. As for the firework castles, they were colorful, magnificent, beautiful and unique and so lovely with the beautiful city of Cuenca in the background. They lit them right next to the crowd with nothing in the way to protect the nearby people or cars. It was a night to remember, for sure.
On Christmas Eve day there was a parade that wove all through the town for most of the entire day. Conchita told us that she normally watches some of it, then goes for coffee and then watches some more because it goes on for so long. We took her advice and took a coffee break which was great for our feet. Because of the parade's length, there were lots and lots of everything : big floats with lots of people, individual floats with just one kid in a cart, bike or in a stroller, animals, bands, dancers in their native dress, and people riding horses. There were tons of angels dressed in white satin, with wings and halos holding baby Jesus. There were Santas of all ages, but mostly young ones. Those that didn´t wear the whole Santa outfit wore Santa hats incscirbed with Feliz Navidad. There were kings and others dressed in beautiful dresses and gowns. I found out that anyone could be in the parade which I think is lovely.
On Christmas Eve were invited to join Conchita and Alejandro at their house. We went next door around 9:30 and met their lovely family. We were introduced to everyone and every introduction included kisses. After that we sat, drank wine and talked. Actually, I just did a lot of smiling and listening while trying to figure out the conversations. Dinner was served much like the way we do it. There was a table of food (turkey, pork, salad bread, a variety of vegetables and some desserts). Everyone spread out throughout the house to find a place to eat, but Kevin, Lindsay, Will and I were seated at a table with a couple of relatives. Afterward we talked with lots of different people as they made their way to our table. They mostly spoke in Spanish but some spoke in English which I certainly enjoyed. At midnight no one really said anything about it being Christmas. I found it interesting that many people came late, like after dinner and some came right before it turned Christmas. It is customary that couples eat with the wives' families on Christmas Eve and I assume some of the late arrivers had been with those families. We finally left at 1:30 AM as we were very tired. Conchita and Alejandro went to bed at 4:30 AM. It was definitely a night to remember as it was such a different experience and because Conchita and Alejandro were so kind and gracious to include us on this very special occasion.
The four of us had a wonderful and quiet Christmas. We opened presents and later fixed our Christmas feast. Because Lindsay's apartment has no stove or refrigerator, we bought things at the market the day before. We enjoyed freshly made guacamole, chips, fruit, bread and chocolate. Although it was not a traditional Christmas meal, it was perfect!
Best of all this celebration was great for me because I spent it with my kids (and Kevin) !
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