In other "civilized" places of the world, Carnival is celebrated with elaborate parades, masquerade balls, dancing on the streets, exotic costumes and often-times, wild behaviour.
In Quito, Ecuador, we play with water....lots of it: small balloons filled with water to be thrown at the 'victim'--usually a friend who is actively engaged in the same--buckets full of water, or even a plain, old hose will do!
In attempts to 'not waste water' by this crazy tradition, City Hall promotes 'playing Carnival' with canned sprays that contain a harmless--but quite strong-smelling-perfumed-white or colored-slushy spray.
It serves the purpose, but not quite: there's nothing more satisfying than aiming a water balloon at a perfectly dry and dressed person, seeing it crash against hip or back or leg, and getting her soaking wet! Especially if the 'thrower' is a child, and the 'receiver' is the Director of the Foundation: ME!!
All in good fun! Great day for the kids at Casa Victoria! AND for Mamalicia!
