Virus Outbreak Ecuador Feast

Luis Chacon, the person playing the character of Mama Negra takes a break during the festival in honor of the Virgin of Las Mercedes in Latacunga, Ecuador, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. The Mama Negra festival dates back to 1742 when the people of Latacunga ask the Virgin of Las Mercedes to protect them from the eruptions of the neighboring Cotopaxi volcano. Today the festival took place despite the new coronavirus pandemic restrictions and devotees asked the virgin to protect them from the disease. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)