"Ecuadorians rang out 2025 in Quito on Wednesday with the 'Widows of the Old Year' celebration, a lively tradition mixing humour, social satire and hopes for renewal. Footage shows the city filled with 'monigotes' - figures made of cardboard, paper and sawdust representing popular characters, including politicians, cartoons and celebrities. Meanwhile, dozens of men joined the 'widows' race, dashing through the capital in costumes to mourn the loss of the year gone. "It is really nice to share this culture that Ecuadorians have of dressing as widows and saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new year. Above all, it is shared among friends, shared with family," said one participant, "It seems very beautiful to me, the unity among the family, among people, among communities. After such difficult times, celebrating this end-of-year festival seems very beautiful to me," added Raul Flores. At midnight, the ritual culminates with the burning of a monigote that represents the year's misfortunes. The fire symbolises the closing of a cycle, purifying the past and welcoming the new year with hope."