The Tradition of Año Viejo

The Año Viejo celebration in Ecuador involves creating effigies, known as monigotes, made of various materials, including paper and sawdust, which symbolize the old year. Families participate in the tradition by building these effigies, which they later burn at midnight, representing a cathartic release of the past year's troubles. This ritual, carried out in the streets, encourages community bonding as neighbors come together to watch the effigies burn, often rekindling relationships and allowing for forgiveness among those who may have had conflicts. The act of lighting these effigies on fire creates a sense of renewal, marking a hopeful farewell to the old year and an optimistic welcome to the new one.