Carnaval

The days before lent are known around the world as Carnaval and are celebrated in various forms. Here in Ecuador each city or town celebrates in their own way but the most popular way is to throw water on everyone they can using water guns, buckets, hoses, and water balloons. We "played" Carnaval with the youth group on Saturday and had a great time. They even use a foam spray similiar to shaving cream. The worst is when they throw eggs or flour! The rule of thumb during Carnaval is this: If you don't want to get wet, stay home! Most of the stores were closed Monday and Tuesday to celebrate. The girls played Carnaval at the park on Monday and on Tuesday, and Bill "washed" the truck and got the neighbors soaking wet in the process.

The two days (Mon & Tue) of celebration always come before Ash Wednesday, the day set aside to confess your sins and prepare for Lent (the days leading up to Good Friday and Easter). The idea is to use the days before Lent to do as you please, because on Ash Wednesday you confess all your sins and receive forgiveness. It's common to see people on Ash Wednesday who have marks on their forehead made from an ash paste to signify they have been to confess their sins.