A Christmas tradition on Isabela Island is that one of the schools puts on a parade through the streets of Puerto Villamil. It is more a celebration of the end of the year, than Christmas itself, but most people in town still call it a school Christmas parade.

The parade involves a stream of decorated cars, with classes of school children assigned to each float. Normally they are representing the different provinces of Ecuador, so you may see Amazon, Andes or Galapagos themed costumes and cars. Each vehicle plays music associated with where they are from.

Ecuador Float at the School Parade on Isabela Island

This year, the holiday season parade had a bit more international flair.

While Ecuador was still represented, the school decided to decorate the vehicles, and create costumes associated with different countries around the world.

Many South American countries were in the parade, as well as Cuba, the USA, China, Egypt and India. Weaving through the downtown area of Puerto Villamil, the parade ended at the school where an outdoor show finished with music and dancing from each highlighted country (included some “Cotton Eye Joe” music and line-dancing for the US team).

USA Float at the School Parade on Isabela Island

China Float at the School Parade on Isabela Island

Uruguay Float at the School Parade

The enthusiasm put into the costumes and decorations, as well as learning new styles of dancing, was evident in all the parade floats, with a lot of laughing and smiling going on. With many proud parents taking photos of their kids, and everyone else in town watching the show pass by, it was a fun way to see how strong a community there is on Isabela Island.

Egypt Float at the School Parade on Isabela Island

Argentina Float at the School Parade on Isabela Island

Just another example of the surprises you’ll come across when you spend a little time getting to know the people of the Galapagos Islands!

Colombia Float at the School Parade in Puerto Villamil

Amazon Float at the School Parade