Heading into Carnival (Carnaval en español)

Apparently, this is a weird year for Catholics. Ash Wednesday is on much maligned Valentine's Day and Easter falls on April 1st. Should make for interesting observances. The weirdness has already begun: we were out wandering today, minding our own business when we got hit with a drive by shooting; not bullets, of course, but water guns. It's an early start to the carnival festivities, which I've outline in previous posts. (The fun isn't supposed to start until February 11th. I guess some people need to get in some target practice before hand.)

Serious fire power...yours for $12

I've been jonesing for super giant cans of "espuma" (foam) that hold about a litre of the stuff (maybe more!). Two cans, gangster style, one in each hand, would get us through Parque Calderon in a blaze of glory and heaps of foam.

About 5-10 minutes of foam madness
per can, depending on strategy

Like true cowards, we usually kill the big day at a friend's house. They host an annual chili party, as a means of avoiding the hard core water and foam fights that spread across the city during the final weekend before the dour season of Lent. (Ashes and fish, I've heard it called!)

The top indicates the foam colour

Some people find this time of year troublesome and irritating, including many Cuencanos, who head to their houses in the country to ride out the street wars in safety. I recommend picking up a few cans of foam and joining in the fun.

Let the games begin!

For the most part, we don't mind. Most "warriors" are careful to make sure you want to participate, or harmlessly hit you with a short spurt of water from a passing car. It's all good. (Foam in the ears...not so much...hence, the classic jacket-with-hood defence.) Do mind the water balloons that mysteriously fall from upper balconies, though, don't say you weren't warned.

Side note: the weather has improved, so maybe the wet season is holding off for a while.