A magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Ecuador on April 16, 2016.  We were in Istanbul, Turkey at the time. The couple that was staying in our Cuenca, Ecuador apartment said they could feel it, though we were 180 miles from the epicenter.  More than 650 people were killed in the quake.  200 schools and thousands of homes were also destroyed.  There was an immediate international relief effort, with over 13,000 police and military mobilized to help those affected.

Though the quake has moved off the front page, with other world events taking the focus on other parts of the world, there continues to be charity events held throughout Ecuador.  Today was one such, called Solidaridad con la Gente de Manabi (Solidarity with the people of Manabi).  The upper right poster was for a Concierto por las Victimas del Terremoto (Concert for the Victims of the Earthquake), which was held in May (while we were still in Turkey).

The fair was held across the street from Parque Calderon, in the center of Cuenca. The San Luis Seminary courtyard only recently opened again to the public.  It had been closed since a major fire on August 15, 2012.  The view of the New Cathedral (though built in 1885, that is still the name it is best known as) is spectacular, as seen in the upper left image.  The highlight of the festival was the unveiling of a special tent for temporary housing for those who lost their home (upper right image) designed by Peter Dudar and an architect.  Though small, the tent is cleverly made using umbrella material, PVC, rebar and recycled bicycle spokes to provide protection from the sun and heat on the coast, as well as provide ventilation. Designed to sleep 4, it was large enough to fit 35 dancers the night before.  Each tent costs $150 to produce, and the charity is attempting to raise enough money for 1000 tents.

As always, families with kids enjoyed the day at Parque Calderon across the street.