Water, Eggs, and Flour
Sometimes being a foreigner can be quite the advantage. You get free drinks, whistles in the streets, and are exemped from tests and homwork. During carnaval week, however, being a “gringa” just means you get extra eggs in your hair.
In Ecuador, Carnival officially starts on 13th of February, but the festivities start long before that date. It’s definitely one of my favorite holidays here…it’s pretty much just an excuse to throw water on strangers without them getting mad.
I spent Carnival in Riobamba with my family and some friends and the city was complete mayhem. I spent the afternoons with my nine year old cousin; dropping buckets of water on the people passing under our second story window (it was hilarious to see their reactions!).
One of the days I went with some friends to the main street in Riobamba, where most of the action is. It was crazy! The sidewalks were littered with water balloons, egg shells, and bags of flour. Most of the people who were playing carnaval were in the back of the trucks, throwing buckets of water at the people passing by. Another funny sight was at one of the local parks. This park has a huge lake in the center…and during carnaval week…hundreds of people pushing each other into it.
The next day I went with my family to their friend’s house in a nearby town. They were hosting a big Carnival celebration…and let me just say…this was another level of Carnival playing. We used freezing water, five cartons of eggs, three bags of flour, and for the finishing touch…they wiped car grease on our faces. It took me forever to untangle my hair that night!
Anyways, I’m thinking that this is one Ecuadorian tradition that I might just introduce to the States when I get back. So, If I happen to throw a bucket of water on you or smear egg yolk in your hair, don’t get mad…its just Carnival season!
Alex
