Ecuador Festivals
Most of the festivals celebrated in Ecuador are connected to the country's main religion, Roman Catholicism. |
The country celebrates carnival and also observes the 40 days of Lent before Easter. However, when it comes to celebrations and parties, Ecuador is known for its revelry and animation.Usually during carnival, the Ecuadorians enjoy themselves and become party animals as they will then be observing abstinence and frugality during Lent.
Like most other countries, Ecuador has its own set of festivals and holidays. Some of Ecuador festivals are as follows:
- New Years is celebrated throughout the country. Most celebrations start on December 31 where a life sized dummy is burned. The dummy represents the old year and is symbolic in nature.
- February is the period for carnival, or Carnaval in Ecuador. Usually the celebrations start in the second week of February with parties and water throwing ritual.
- In April, the Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is observed. Here the crucifiction of Christ is reenacted. The ceremony starts at the end of Lent and culminates on Easter Day. During this period, people drink a type of soup known as Fanesca, which is made up of 7 different grains and dried cod fish.
- July 24 is Simon Bolivar's birthday. This day is celebrated all over Ecuador, though it is not considered to be a highly significant date.
- On August 10, Ecuador celebrates its independence day. It is this day that the country gained independence from Spanish rule in 1822, and became a part of Gran Colombia.
- The first two weeks of September is when the Fiesta del Yamor is held in Otavalo. This festival of Ecuador attracts people from all over the world, and includes, dancing, music, fireworks, parades and crowning of the Reina de la Fiesta. This is the best time to savor traditional foods and drinks.
- November 1 and November 2 is the day when the Colombians honor and pay homage to their dead. This festival is known as Dia de los Difuntos, or the Day of the Dead. People visit cemeteries and place images of people made from bread, and a special drink made from blackberry.
- On November 7, Latacunga celebrates Mama Negra. The provincial capital hosts parades, parties and festivities. It is considered to be the Mardi Gras of Ecuador.
- Christmas is celebrated with family members, and is a relatively quiet celebration. The family has a feast on December 25 evening after which the gifts are opened.
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Ecuador History Timeline
 Ecuador is a popular country among tourists, who come to see the natural beauty, and get a taste of the country's culture and history. Ecuador is steeped in history, and has an interesting past that can be easily depicted and explained by way of a history timeline. More..
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