Christmas Decorations, Cuenca, Ecuador

Diane: The Christmas season has come to a close. Day by day, the city is removing its fabulous outdoor decorations. There is a vast array of lights. On some streets at night, you can't see to their end. The lighting takes a unique twist in several city parks. The trees are lit up in spooky bright green and blue. It reminds me of the old Disney version of Snow White running through the dark forest, trees catching at her skirt.

The New Cathedral in the central plaza is elegantly lit at night.

Nativity scenes decorate the town. Most families erect something inside their homes. In addition, there are outdoor nativity scenes and museum exhibits. An art exhibit opened with nativity scenes from around South America. Another opened displaying the winners of a nativity art contest. I don't know the exact guidelines for the contest, but it seems that each one is made from organic materials and the artists are allowed great thematic leeway. One is composed entirely of beans. Another shows what was left when Mary and Joseph had to leave suddenly. They are all wildly different and quite entertaining. One of my favorite outdoor nativity scenes is an enormous, modern-style variant. All surfaces are covered with colorful reflective material. At about 30 feet tall, this creation dwarfs the surrounding playground equipment.

One well-known Cuencan couple works year round on an elaborate nativity scene next to their house. It is a miniature representation of hundreds of Ecuadorian indigenous people, PlayMobile figures, Roman soldiers, lights, bright gaudy plastic, Ecuadorians at work, moving parts, and much more. The scenes that capture everyday Ecuadorian life are fascinating.

One area portrays celebrations with a maypole, a military band, an indigenous band, and some folks enjoying a meal together.






In country scenes, people ride horses down a trail. Many of them carry heavy loads. Women carry their babies with them. Sheep and chickens to one side, lush vegetation to the other. A water wheel, with water flowing through it adds a touch of drama. A few houses have thatched-style roofs. There are some real plants and some artificial ones.










The colorful outdoor market is quintessential Ecuadorian. Women in colorful clothing. Bags of grains, pasta, and beans. Roasting cuys (guinea pigs). Fresh fruit and vegetables for sale.






And a crafts market. Each vendor has an awning for sun protection. They are depicted selling ceramic pots, metal cans, baskets, and straw hats.

Another unusual aspect of the Cuencan Christmas scene are the moss and bromeliad markets that pop up. Traditionally, people decorate their family crèches with such plants. Unfortunately, reliance on these plants has resulted in their decimation in the wild. Every year the government and the press unsuccessfully promote alternative options. However, this is insufficient to sway the masses from purchasing the real thing.