Healthcare throughout Ecuador is of a very high standard. Many Doctors and Specialists speak English and treat you so well you could be forgiven for thinking you are living back in the 1950's. Generally a Doctors visit may set you back $20. They even make house calls when necessary. Specialist fees are around $30-$40.
New Year in Ecuador is as much about the Old Year as the new. Effigies are made of old clothes stuffed with newspaper and adorned with a mask. These are known as the "Año Viejos" or Old Years, and are burnt at midnight on New Year's Eve. The idea is to leave any negativity or problems behind in the old year and start afresh.
Every city of Ecuador celebrates their own festivals either in honor of a saint (Most Ecuadorians are Catholics), or the city's festivities. There are plenty more celebrations throughout the country such as: "Virgen del Carmen", on the 16th of July. The "Fiesta de la Mama Negra" in Latacunga, which is held on the 23rd and 24th of September, among others.