An Indian plays melodica during the Inti Raymi San Juan festivities in Cotacachi  Ecuador  24 June 2010 ‘La toma de la Plaza’ Taking of the square is an ancient ritual kept by Andean indigenous communities From the early morning of the feast day  variou. An Indian plays melodica during the Inti Raymi San Juan festivities in Cotacachi  Ecuador  24 June 2010 ‘La toma de la Plaza’ Taking of the square is an ancient ritual kept by Andean indigenous communities From the early morning of the feast day  various groups of San Juan dancers from remote mountain villages dance in a slow trot towards the main square of Cotacachi Reaching the plaza  Indians start to dance around They pound in synchronized dance rhythm  shout loudly  whistle and wave whips  showing the strength and aggression Dancers from either the upper communities El Topo or the lower communities La Calera  joined in respective coalitions  seek to conquer and dominate the square and do not let their rivals enter If not moderated by the police in time  the high tension between groups always ends up in violent clashes