On the day before Christmas the streets of Cuenca filled with over 50,000 people for the annual El Pase del Niño Viajero (âThe Pass of the Child Travelerâ). In sharp contrast to America, Christmas Eve in Ecuador is without snow, corporate sponsors, football bowl games and last minute sales. The focus is on the Niño Dios (Baby Jesus) and the local children.
Children and adults are dressed in colorful costumes combining Catholic Christmas traditions with Andean winter Solstice celebrations.
