Christmas Eve in Cuenca - Passing of the Children

Dear Family and Friends,

Christmas Eve in Cuenca Ecuador is a magical day. Every year they have Paseo de Ninos (Passing of the Children.) It seems that every child in Cuenca dresses up and passes through the streets. I don't know the history of this custom, but it has probably been going on for many years.

Chuck, Jim, Audrey and I left our house this morning about 10:30am. We returned about 5:00pm. All during that time we witnessed the passing of the children. It was so delightful that I must share some of the pictures I took.


Some children were riding floats

Some were in their mother's arms.

This little angel was on her mother's back.

This dog even got into the parade. He seems to have a monkey on his back.

There were ornate floats such as this one.

Beautiful children

Little toreadors

A Senorita...



Dressed up babies...

And young people dancing.





Here are some children dressed from the Amazon area of Ecuador.





This little guys parents covered him in charcoal.

An Amazon princess

There were a lot children riding horses and burros.










Therefore there were a lot of animal tracks....


We had to step carefully....

Oops!! The bottom of my shoe...



There were a lot of little angels.....




Sleeping babies...






Thousands of little children and young people passed through the streets of Cuenca today.

Here are some more photos of these precious children...














It was so wonderful being able to be part of this experience. The most wonderful Christmas Eve I have ever spent was in a missionary hospital in Rawanda Africa. click here . This Christmas Eve was the second most wonderful.

Chuck and I wish you a peaceful, loving holiday with your family and friends.

Love,
Nancy and Chuck


Audrey has started her own blog. She has more pictures of this wonderful event. If you would like to see her photos click here.