As usual, the kids were the center attraction of these parades

Today starts off Carnaval week in Latin America.  Cuenca has always been a snoozefest in past years, but the government is now trying to encourage tourism and this year has some “first time” events planned.

We heard a band playing outside our condo this morning, and decided to go out and investigate.  We stumbled upon a parade forming right outside our front door.  This was another church “el nina” parade, where a statue of the baby Jesus is marched out of the church, with a variety of kids, horses, clowns, and food in attendance.

Kids love these parades and the extra treats they get

The baby Jesus doll is always carried by elder women

Carnaval meant there had to be clowns — and the horses are also dressed up