Bits and Pieces of Inti Raymi

During the week, nothing much happens with Inti Raymi in general.  The big event was the "taking of the square" on Sunday night.  Now there is marching through the streets but it is far less formal and there's far more drinking involved.  It's been a very quiet Inti Raymi so far this year (I'm writing this on Tuesday June 26) and we're all hoping it stays that way.

Of course I can't resist taking photos when I have the opportunity so I'll keep adding a few of the better ones as I upload them.

The police are in evidence everywhere and it gives most of us a sense of security in terms of men with far more alcohol than good sense behaving themselves unsupervised.  It's really no different in other parts of the world.  I always stayed in on New Years Eve back in the States.  This isn't much different.

I really miss my photo editing software while my computer's feeling ill.  I would have loved to have been able to crop this photo so you could see his face up close.  He did not have a good night.

I'm seeing more and more individual men and men in groups of three and four rather than in the huge crowds of Sunday night, though there are still groups who pass my front door (where these photos are taken) with their whooping and hollering and I always know there are lots of them, even from inside with all the doors and windows closed.  I'm not frightened at all--I've just seen enough of them for the most part and I suspect you're getting tired of seeing the pictures.

Of course the kids are always fun.  There was no sign of any parental or adult supervision for these two little guys but it's one of the lovely things about living in Cotacachi--kids are able to run around and not have to fear being in danger--well, at least not from anyone other than a big brother, perhaps.

This little guy got his hat back from his big brother and now he's ready to duke it out with him.  Big brother is losing interest.  It's probably just as well--I don't think little brother would have a chance.

This little girl was fascinated with my camera.  Another photo where it would have been lovely to crop it so you could see her cute little face better.

The black on his face is intentional.  A lot of the men who were wearing camouflage had black paint on their faces.  I'm still trying to find out what all these various little things mean but I may never know.  I don't really need to, I'm just curious.