Viernes Santo (Good Friday)

Here in Ecuador, the Easter holiday is celebrated differently than we're used to in the U.S. There is no Easter bunny, no baskets, no cute little chicks, no eggs, no jelly beans, no chocolate bunnies, no special Easter clothes. But in a way it's nice to not have any commercialism and only focus only on the real meaning and purpose of Easter.

As in many other places, Ecuadorians celebrate the whole week before Easter. It's called 'Semana Santa' or Holy Week. The week of celebration started with a big procession on Palm Sunday, and several other celebrations/ceremonies/events took place throughout the week. Yesterday for 'Viernes Santo' or Good Friday the big procession of Jesús del Gran Poder took place in Old Town. The celebrations of this week are some of the biggest in South America.

Tens of thousands of people pack into the narrow streets of Old Town to watch as Jesus Almighty, the Virgin of Sorrows, and hundreds of men and women dressed in purple walk by. The men are called cucuruchos and wear long robes and tall pointy hats that also cover their faces. They are the penitents who are repentent and sorrowful for their sins. The women are called Veronicas and also wear purple with veils over their faces. They represent the woman who came to Jesus as He carried the cross, and who wiped His face full of sweat and blood.

Along with these purple people, there were several men (even some kids, which we were surprised about) who dressed as Jesus and carried heavy crosses. Some even wore chains around their ankles and barbed wire crowns on their heads. The people who particpate in this procession consider it a great honor and they take it very seriously.

Cucuruchos

Owen had the best view.

lots of people...

the Veronicas

the Virgin of Sorrows

The typical dish that everyone in Ecuador eats only at Easter is called fanesca. All the restaurants are making it special this week. It is a soup made with at least 12 grains and legumes, supposedly all the ones available in the Andes. They represent the 12 apostles and the 12 tribes of Isreal. It is sometimes served with fish, representing Christ and the way his message feeds the Christian community. Boiled egg, fried bananas, floured dumplings, and cheese is served on top. It was quite hearty, and really yummy!