Introduction

The burning of the Old Year in Ecuador is a tradition that is celebrated with great fanfare. It is a
great celebration full of creativity, humor

Over time, this tradition has been modified throughout the country until today it has

become a party of great humor, merriment and mischief that has transcended borders.

Origin

In 1895, the threat of a yellow fever for the inhabitants of the port city of Guayaquil was the
beginning of the traditional custom of burning the "Año Viejo" (Old Year).

Historical data indicate that as a sanitary protection measure, it was recommended to make
ramadas and straw monigotes with the dresses of the relatives who had died. These were
placed in the street on the last day of the year and at zero hours they were burned, in order to
drive away the plague and with the hope of leaving behind all the bad things, to start a new
year full of illusions.

Objective

The objective is to say goodbye to the year that is ending, burning with the monigote all the
bad things that may have happened and cherishing the hope that the new year arrives full of
positive energies, to achieve personal and professional success.

country adaptation

This ritualistic practice originates in Ecuador and is considered the most important event of the
country at the end of each year. This tradition has been adopted in 12 of the 20 Latin American
countries, especially in Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Cuba,
Panama, Nicaragua and Honduras.

giant stick figure contest

In Ecuadorian cities, such as Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Loja and Tulcán, local governments
even organize contests to reward the most ingenious and elaborate staging of Años Viejos.

to conclude

Old Years are incinerated at midnight sharp on December 31, so that the flames reach January
1 of the new year.