Changing of the Guard

We happened to go to the changing of the guard just before the elections and there were several demonstrations going on, some for and some against, but there was lots of people and lots of noise.

Top of the statue in the Plaza Grande formally known as Plaza de la Independencia.


And the guard is changed.

Dignitaries on the balcony, there were students, nuns, President Rafael Correa and the President of Paraguay, Fernando Aruindo Lugo Méndez, many security agents as well as assorted other government officials.

President Méndez of Paraguay and President Correa of Ecuador.

Guard marching into the square.

The band leads the way then the guard marches out followed by more guards on horses.


The honor guard and red carpet to greet the President of Paraguay.

Close up of one of the hats.


He is on the top of the Palacio del Gobierno or Presidential Palace, a large white building sometimes referred to as the White House, to raise the flag.


April 18, 2011
As you can see from the date we actually did this in April. Sister Dresen had not had the chance to see the changing of the guard and we needed to go to Centro Histótico or Old Town for some more fabric so decided to do both at once. Unfortunately for us it was just before the elections and there were several groups shouting out their support or non support, it was all very loud. We also had the privilege of seeing the President of Paraguay, Fernando Aruindo Lugo Méndez, who was arriving for a state visit. The whole thing was suppose to take about an hour and start at 10 a.m. but because of everything that was going on the time was changed to 11 a.m. and then that was delayed. We ended up being there about 3 hours. It was hard to get good pictures because of the number of people that were there. We may try going again but I don´t know if Dad will go for that. Dad thinks the uniforms look like the soldiers in the Wizard of Oz. The whole thing is very military and showy but fun to watch.