Española Island

We started this day very early this morning, and when I say early I do mean it! Today at midnight we welcomed not only a new year but a new decade. We had a great celebration that included many of the New Year Ecuadorian Traditions. At a very unusual time, at 9:30 pm I gave an amusing presentation in the lounge about these peculiar traditions. The goal was to prepare our guests to receive the year 2011 the Ecuadorian way. After it we danced the night away with tropical music waiting for midnight.

New Year is celebrated in various parts of the world, but what is so special about the New Year in Ecuador? If this is what you are thinking, then think again because this country has its unique way of celebrating the advent of the New Year in Ecuador. We observed a very unique tradition on the eve of 31st of December every year which is also the New Year in Ecuador. We celebrate the eve of 31st of December with the "años viejos" (old years). Out in every single street you will find human figurines which are stuffed dummies made with paper, sawdust, wood as well as firecrackers. These dummies are displayed through the whole of the nation before they are set on fire at midnight. The stuffed human figurines characterize local as well as international politicians and renowned personalities. The figurines are created to represent people and events from the past year. Often these include political characters or leaders that the creator of the effigy may have disagreed with. At midnight the effigies are lit on fire to symbolize burning away of the past year and welcoming of the New Year. Kids as well as women and many times men dress as women in black. These men, women and children enact the old year's "widow" role. They move crying and asking for money or candies on all the streets of the country. The widows also go from one home to another for the previous year's figurine funeral. If the last year has been a very bad one, then many locals as well as the people dressed as figurine's widow kick or wipe the dummies before they are burned. This is done to have a good year. This tradition is maintained throughout all the country. Apart from the “old years” many other celebrations are also done. People dance and party here everywhere. Other amusing rituals are performed for the health, wealth, prosperity and protection. For example, traditionally each person eats twelve grapes before midnight, making a wish with each grape. Popularly, yellow underwear is said to attract positive energies for the New Year. Finally, walking around the block with one's suitcase will bring the person the journey of their dreams.

After this amazing start we visited Española Island, which is considered a jewel in the crown of these enchanted islands. What a great farewell to one of the trips of a lifetime! We had a lot of fun on a white sandy beach at Gardner Bay, sharing these precious moments with several hundreds of sea lions that were as usual pretty indifferent to our presence. Another highlight of the day was the afternoon’s visit to Punta Suarez. A big variety of animal species call this place home. One in particular that is very special is the beautiful Waved albatross. The fabulous view of the high cliffs is a true delight. Some guests opted to stay on board and enjoy a dip in the water from the ship. Later on in the evening we left the island behind feeling amazed and happy with all the things we have learned and experienced during this very first day of this brand new year.