New Years in Pisac

There is a lot that is the same in Pisac on New Year's Eve as the places in Guatemala where I have spent that time of year, and even in Canada.

Fireworks, firecrackers, music, drinking and all of that.  The amount of fireworks etc was far less than in Guatemala, but they have a number of traditions that other places do not.

One of their traditions involves new clothing.  Depending on what you are hoping for in the new year, you wear different colours of new clothing.  Bright yellow means you are hoping for good luck, and it seems to be the most popular, though not necessarily the most visible, because new yellow undies were on sale everywhere for about 4 days before New Year's.  Other colours included green for money, red for romance and white for health.   Those colours were also echoed by candles burned wishing for the best in the New Year.

A bit of research on line also lead to slipping dried beans into your pocket at midnight, to encourage more money coming your way, and eating twelve grapes at midnight for luck in the coming year.  I had no idea about these traditions, but I had noted that many of the green grocers had grapes displayed prominently.

In addition to the fireworks and firecrackers, there was a whole lot of yellow confetti scattered around, and it will be a while before that bit of evidence of the celebration is completely gone.  It seemed amongst the young adults and teens that trying to get rid of the confetti from your hair was not the thing to do.  I have not asked, but I assume the longer the confetti is stuck to you, the longer the good luck lasts,

On the whole, the evening was quite fun and all seemed to be having a great time.  I hate to inflict flash photography on others, so I did not take any photos, but stayed on the edges enjoying the scene.

Take care all, and have a great 2018!