Carnival in Ecaudor, while not nearly as big of a celebration as its neighbor, Brazil, is still a festive time. Happening every year during the week before Good Friday, one of the most notable things about Carnival in Ecuador is what the locals call “playing Carnival”. This basically just means ‘having a water fight with everyone you know AND everyone you don’t know’. While water balloons are the most common weapon for those ‘playing Carnival’ other things are thrown at friends and unsuspecting passer-bys, too, such as flour or even eggs. Water guns are also fair arsenal in this game, which is obviously fun for kids but otherwise quite annoying. Gringos seem to be a particularly sought after target, so it isn’t a bad idea to have an extra set of clothing packed if you are on your way to work or class.

Carnival celebrations differ by region and city, yet all cities have parties, cultural events, and parades. Some of the more famous festivities, such as lively dances and parades with extravagant costumes and masks, can be found in Ambato, Guaranda and Riobamba. Not unlike Spring Break in the U.S. and other western countries, many Ecuadorians flock to the beach during Carnival. Montañita is one of the most popular destinations for the youth – there is an annual surf competition during Carnival and parties that last all day and all night. In other words, it is more or less complete mayhem! Not recommended for families or people who like to get at least a little bit of sleep at night!

In Cuenca, you will find multiple events happening each day for about a week leading up to February 20 and 21, which are the “official” Carnival days this year. Take a look below for a guide to the final three days of activities for Carnival in Cuenca in 2012.

Sunday, February 19

• Event: “Ginkana Carnavalera con Los Barrios de Cuenca: Paúl Ramón y Los Soneros, Orquesta Onda Manía de Quito.”
• Location: Av on May 24, diagonal linear park area to College Garaicoa
• Time: 10h00

• Event: “Rio Gualaceo Carnival Parade”
• Location: Avenida Sucre and Av. Jaime Roldós until Antonio Delgado street
• Time: 10H00

Monday, February 20

• Event: “The Carnival Show by Academy Atuntaqui”
• Location: Parque Lineal
• Time: 14h00

• Event: “Carnavalada Musical” – Food fair and art show and Sabor y Wilfrido in concert
• Location: Beaches of Zhingate
• Time: 15h00

• Event: “Carnaval San Bartolomé”
• Location: Playa Sol and Agua Pamar Chacrín
• Time: 15h00

• Event: “Pesca deportiva y tradicional juego del Carnaval (traditional fishing and game carnival)”
• Location: San Marcos area
• Time: 10H00

• Event: “Carnival Dances in Tablahuayco and Theresa”
• Location: Tablahuayco and Theresa areas
• Time: 20h00

• Event: “Election of Taita Carnaval Oña 2012″
• Location: Local Rural Social Security.
• Time: 11H00

• Event: “Artistic Dance Show”
• Location: Commonwealth of Mautapamba
• Time: 15H00