I really enjoyed reading this, @popurri. While I didn't experience that exact tradition, it reminded me of the strong aromas and how alive my senses were!

Right there, empanadas and arepitas were fried and the smoke from the frying pans was confused with the mist coming down from Avila, the mountain that protects the city.

This description is really wonderful. I could see it!

That's wonderful that your father got skates for you and all of your siblings.