Day of the Child

August 16th is a big day here--the Day of the Child (Dia del Niño). I must have been asked a million times how we celebrate it in the US, and I had to reply each time that we just don't. I don't think anyone believed me. It's like a giant birthday celebration that includes every little kid in the country. Churches, schools, even the health posts celebrate.

We started the day at the elementary school in Arazaty. The teachers and several parents had built a couple fires beside one of the classrooms and were cooking noodles and meat sauce in big pots over the fires. In the picture is Profesora Thomasa, who teaches the preschool and kindergarten classes.

We brought cookies and a new soccer ball--a must-have for recess time! While the food cooked and people were served, the children played soccer and blew bubbles. After the fideo meal ("fee DAY oh", which means noodles), everyone stood in line for a piece of the yummy cake one of the moms made. It was a great chance to spend time with the children, their parents, and the teachers.

We attended another celebration after this first school, but I want to save that for another day. For now, here are some pictures of the kids!