

How celebrating an Ecuadorian New Year's tradition brings us closer together
Jan 1, 2025
Dive into the vibrant Ecuadorian tradition of Año Viejo, where families craft and burn effigies to symbolize releasing the past. Personal stories reveal how this nostalgic celebration fosters connections and community, even for those living abroad. Explore the emotional ties to heritage and the joy found in shared rituals, emphasizing reflection and renewal. Discover how these customs help maintain cultural identity while adapting to new environments, all wrapped up in a warm embrace of family and tradition.
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US Celebration
- Xavier Lopez's family celebrates with dinner and a party.
- They reminisce about Ecuadorian New Year's traditions.
Año Viejo Tradition
- In Ecuador, they build and burn effigies ("Año Viejo") at midnight.
- This symbolizes burning away the old year and fostering community.
Childhood Memories
- Xavier's mom's family stuffed effigies with newspapers, cotton, and fireworks.
- Their goal was to make the effigy fly when they burned it.