We arrived in Latacunga with perfect timing, because for the next few days it's carnival time! Lantunga's major annual fiesta is 'La Mamá Negra', it involves processions, street dancing, costumes and fireworks.

We found a good spot on the main square and watched the action unfold. As the procession passed, a young lad, (dressed as a witch) ran over and shoved a bottle containing a curious brown liquor to our mouths. It was 'aguardiente' (sugarcane alcohol) - not a bad brew! Most impressive are the men carrying whole roast pigs on their backs, decorated with guinea pigs, chickens, bottles of booze and cigarettes - all gifts to the 'Virgin de la Mercedes', Latacungas protectress from volcanic eruptions. The pig and it's accompaniments is so heavy the men have to stop every so often to rest the load on a table.

The procession finished at the church of Santo Domingo where a series of fireworks were released in the tiny square worryingly close to the crowds (one spinning wheel jettisoned straight at a group of people, but luckily they managed to dive to safety!). As the hours wore on it became one big happy drunken binge. We bought our own bottle of 'aguardiente' (1 litre for $1, bargain) and joined the action, suffering from a slightly sore head the next morning.

Check out ‘Ecuador - Latacunga’ at http://gallery.me.com/peterjprice/101725