Carnival is a huge celebration in Ecuador but it is very different than in other South American countries from what I have experienced. Basically, it is a nation wide waterfight and it is SO FUN! We spent two days standing on the side of the road with buckets of water and soaking anyone that passed by whether they were in a bus or taxi or if they were on a motorbike or walking. Most people took it in good humor because hey! It was Carnival!