Corpus Christi started today, and not many places celebrate it as largely as Cuenca, Ecuador.  Also known as Septenario, this was originally an indigenous celebration of the June Solstice, but was co-opted by the Catholic Church in the 1600’s and turned into a Christian event.  One of the highlights for many is the booths filled with sweets that line Parque Calderon in the center of town for the entire week. The booths do a steady business, as locals indulge in the huge variety of sugary candies.  Personally I have tried them, but found them all way too sweet for my tastes, so I steer clear.  By the third day, these booths will also be teeming with honey bees that will have found their way here for their own taste of sugar.

The first day of Corpus Christi has a procession from Parque San Sebastian to Parque Calderon.  Many of those living along the route place altars outside their homes.

The procession is led by altar boys and priests from the local churches.

A few hundred faithful also join the procession, carrying candles.