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New Years Eve 2008 in Montanita, Ecuador

We have just spent our first New Year’s Eve in Montanita, Ecuador.  If you are young at heart then it is definitely a must on your agenda.  This is a vibrant little seaside town with many young Bob Marley lookalikes, Surfers, gorgeous young girls and guys.

We had a fantastic time with our friends Anne and John.  One of the streets to the beach is lined with bamboo carts that serve all sorts of cocktails.  You are surrounded by music and sometimes you just don’t know which one to bop to.

At midnight everyone gathered on the beach and there were fireworks everywhere.  Lots of music and dancing and celebration.  This was just the start of the celebrations.  We were told that the real party starts at around 1 – 2 a.m. and ends……………..well whenever you want.  Many people come into town from surrounding villages which have also had celebration of fireworks etc.

We stayed about half an hour out of Montanita at place called Ayampe.  Driving home we had to dodge fires that were still burning on the streets and of course the people who were still walking along the streets in celebration.  They have a tradition that the burn an effigy of someone, something.  Apparently by doing this it gets rid of all the past year negativities and then gets everyone ready for the New Year with a positive attitude.

Hope you enjoy the photos.

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