Miraflores Avenue in Ambato was the scene of a colorful proclamation for the flower and fruit festivals

Hundreds of Ambateños gathered on Miraflores Avenue to witness the proclamation of the 71st edition of the Fruit and Flower Festival (FFF).

The colorful parade this Saturday opened the festivities in Ambato, an event that this year hopes to attract visitors from various parts of Ecuador after a tough period due to the pandemic.

Comparsas, dance groups and the candidates for queen of Ambato paraded in the proclamation. Families stationed themselves on the sidewalks to watch the dancers pass by. Some came out with their chairs to watch the parade, while other passers-by stopped to watch the dances.

Borman Vargas, general director of the Andean Cultural Integration Corporation, one of the dance groups that were at the proclamation, indicated that with the presentation of capoeira, the mixture of youth dance and martial arts was staged as a complement suitable for the party.

In the proclamation paraded the five candidates for the reign of Ambato.

María Cobo, who came to observe the parade, said that it was beautiful and that she hopes that the rest of the party’s programs will be well received, but with due care. Something similar commented Alexandra Chango, who is dedicated to street vending.

Unlike years ago, the route of the proclamation was only disclosed hours before to avoid crowds. Héctor Cobo, head of the Risk Management Unit (UGR) of the municipality of Ambato, assured that they were activated with a group of volunteers, paramedics and an ambulance in support of pre-hospital care, as well as control so that citizens comply with the provisions of biosecurity.

He commented that there were no altercations and that everything went according to plan. He acknowledged that there were a large number of citizens, but insisted that the route was only announced on Friday night, to reduce the risk of contagion.

“It is expected that a few days after the party we will have a small outbreak, but we hope it will not be very strong,” argued Cobo.

This week, in Ambato, the levels of infections and positivity rates are down, and although he did not specify data, he indicated that the percentages are almost similar to those of November of the previous year. (I)