However, some villages prefer to use eggs and flour while more urban areas such as large cities will use the special carnival foam. region. New Years Eve is a great time to visit Ecuador, as you can experience the unique Ecuadorian traditions of this holiday and then start your New Year off with a bang, traveling to places like the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos. This Ecuador festivals origins remain unknown, but folklore connects it to indigenous uprisings across several centuries. devils to bulls also known as Toros de pueblo along with a unique atmosphere and captivating decor which provides a systematic illustration of traditions, rituals, and customs by those celebrating these Ecuador is a relatively big country, and as a result, it's no surprise that different regions of Ecuador have their own, individual styles of celebrating Day of the Dead in Ecuador. It contains squash, beans, cheese, peas, corn, and peanuts and is garnished with hard-boiled eggs, empanadas, avocado, and fried plantains. . The main day begins with a Mass at the church, followed by a procession. dress, with a pointy hat of the same color that covers all of Clad in wool chaps, communities, especially those around Otavalo, spend most of the festival dancing, drinking, and eating. +1 833 37 kilometers. As Ecuador's high-altitude capital, Carnival celebrations in Quito do not disappoint. Inti Raymi consists of several weeks full of dance, music, food, and spiritual rituals. Ganga Dussehra Location : Varanasi, Haridwar, Allahabad, Rishikesh, and Garhmukteshwar Date : 9th June 2022 This festival is dedicated to River Ganges. Some say she is a mix of the Virgin Mary and African deities, while others say that she is a liberated slave that became the matriarch of the slaves that were brought to Ecuador. The Inti Raymi is a traditional festival that is celebrated in countries across the Andes. There are many events throughout the city, including open-air concerts and the Alternatively, it is celebrated in Ambato with an exquisite fair of fruits and flowers, while the Afro Festival takes place with an international Expect processions and feasting. A deeply theatrical tradition, Holly Week in Ecuador gathers iconic characters in a procession recreating Christs journey to the cross. On June 24, they dance and celebrate until Friday of the same week, a peak moment in which around 600 visitors gather (each year more arrive). 1. In Guayaquil, the dolls are massive. Corpus Christi, all Ecuador Towards the end of May into mid June, the religious holiday of Corpus Christi is celebrated in communities throughout the Ecuadorian Sierra. What is Carnival. Locals don black pointed hats and wear goatskin chaps to elevate the overall traditional vibe. Brightly colored traditions, electrifying festivities, and local delicious food are often what make up the biggest event of the year in many communities. This being the harvest season. This mountain can be considered as one of the monuments with which Nature has made a great difference on Earth. Thousands of imps take the streets to dance in the Diablada. celebrations of Ecuador and dates from the Incan and Caari cultures. At midnight all the dolls are burned, representing burning the bad from the previous year and looking forward to positive things to come within the New Year. Ecuador celebrates the 02nd of November as El Dia de los Difuntos or All souls day. This national holiday is very important for the Ecuadorian A series of week-long celebrations in Ecuador known as Fiestas de Quito kicks off in the capital city Quito during the last week of November until December 6. Carnival (Ecuadorian Mardi Gras) in February or March. Inti Raymi honors the Inca sun god Inti, the Inca's most important deity, and it takes place every year on June 24 - the winter solstice in Peru, and the Inca solar new year. Gulliver Expeditions is a tour operator that offers uniqueEcuadorand Peru tours. Holy Innocents It is a religious celebration with a strictly religious beginning. November 7, 2021 . election of the citys beauty queen. that you may be carrying. These drinks are quite strong. A pre-Conquest festival celebrated on the solstice at important ancient sites such as Cochasqu. These characters walk along the procession with bare feet, and some with bare backs, which they hit with a whip made of ropes. Given Ecuadors Catholic faith and tradition, Christmas is celebrated all along the Ecuadorian territory. The most famous and interesting event of these celebrations is an I have watched the dancers of Tabacundo at different events over the years and never realized that they have a special celebration all their own called La Noche San Pedrina. Aya Uma is a relevant character throughout the festivities. wide array of agricultural products of the region. These people offer their national music to entertain and contribute to the celebration. Families make or buy life-size rag or paper dolls, which are burnt on the streets at midnight. Every city of Ecuador celebrates their own festivals either in honor of a saint (Most Ecuadorians are Catholics), or the city's festivities. A deeply Andean tradition, the Sun Festival begins with the sunset of the longest night of the year. They symbolize the experiences and events of the past year. This wooden statue is a symbol of hope and faith for many who live in Quito. However, the not to miss event is the the Jesus del Gran Poder Procession taking place in the lovely historical cente of Quitor. What is the Festival of Ecuador? Semana Santa (Holly Week) in Quito City in April. It is held to honour the life and works of Jesus Christ. Inti Raymi is the ancient Inca celebration of the Sun that is celebrated from June 18 to 24, the day when the sun in Ecuador is at its highest point of the year. Although Semana Santa is celebrated across the country, religious parades in the capital city Quito, especially on Good Friday, are quite something in themselves. Corpus Christi Festival: This colorful celebration is part of Ecuador's Intangible Cultural Treasures where People dress up in colorful costumes during an important folkloric festival in Pillaro and display all sorts of traditional and Christian traditions. Locals celebrate this festival honoring the Queen of the Amazon, and more than two million followers attend to pay homage to this deity. Transforming intangible thoughts/wishes into words for a tangible living. Each year the dolls are better built and with more effort, so dont However, remember that you may encounter some alcohol-fuelled excess if venturing out late at night. This day was called Columbus Day, or Day of the discovery of America until 2011 when the country changed it to Da de la Raza (Day of Interculturality and Plurinationality) to celebrate the countrys cultural plurality and conglomeration of several native and foreign cultures. It's a public event and celebrated in the whole country very warmly, learn more Good Friday in Ecuador. Fanesca is a traditional soup that is only eaten in the weeks leading up to Easter. Thousands of locals and tourists gather as onlookers of a tradition that processes through the streets of Latacunga. Da de la Raza is the perfect day to get a sense of Ecuadors patriotism and unity so try attending it if you can. Imagine a very small but unique valley with more plants and bird species than Europe and North America put together; where trees compete in tallness for the sunlight and the forests are filled with butterflies. La Mama Negra is one of the oldest in the city and it is a display of the varied cultural influences from its Spanish, Aymaran, Incan, Mayan, and African ancestors. There are several rituals with which the Inti Raymi is celebrated. April 19, Friday will be held as Good Friday in Ecuador. Dolls are a central character of the NYE celebrations. Ecuador Independence Day (August 10th) Ecuadorians celebrate independence from Spain on August 10, 1809. best nc mountain towns to live July 1st, 2021 by July 1st, 2021 by Quito's streets are filled with music and people celebrating the city. The Cucurucho tradition began in the colonial times, where repentant and devoted Christians would wear the pointy hats (called cucurucho) and wait outside of the churches, enduring the elements and the So this is our list, do you have any favorite Ecuadorian festival not mentioned here? Tena. Additional characters include the Veronicas, women with their faces covered in veils who walk alongside Jesus. People like the Shuar and Ashuar in the central and southern jungles, the Cofanes, Sionas and Secoyas in the north and the Huaorani at Carnival occurs right before Lent, so its peoples last opportunity to have some crazy fun before the somber religious season. Clad in wool chaps, communities, especially those around Otavalo, spend most of the festival dancing, drinking, and eating. One of the most popular Christmas traditions in Ecuador is Los Posadas. Dance and music as well as silence and contemplation are part of the ceremonies that take place in hills. In Ecuador, Inti Raymi is also known as the Fiesta of San Juan. Guaguas de pan, which are dolls made of bread that are eaten together with Colada Morada, a warm and sweet brew made with different berries and only prepared in this holiday. Please change the filter above to see different holiday types. The traditional Ecuadorian fanesca (Lenten chowder) sells like hot-cakes during this time, so do give it a try. traditional ceremonies. March 04, and 05 is celebrated as Carnival in Ecuador. Your email address will not be published. Celebrated on June 21, this day the sun is closer to the earth, making the day shorter and the night longer. 6 Reasons Why You Should Take your Beginner Diving course in Galapagos? Jacqueline is an Ecuadorian who loves each and every corner of her country. Ecuadorians love to celebrate. what festival in ecuador is celebrated in june? Stalls on the streets in all big cities in Ecuador sell yellow and red undergarments, should you be lacking. This beverage runs freely during the festivities. Her tours are genuinely personalized and will make a special, custom-designed travel memory. This day is celebrated on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Throughout the Andes region, Inti Raymi takes place annually between June 21 and June 24. Carnival in Ecuador is celebrated in its own way. Ritual purification is also an important part of Inti Raymi. Parades, carnival revelries, food fairs, musical performances, and a whole lot of energy takes over the country as people gather to celebrate Ecuadorian Mardi Gras. Various harvest festivals throughout the country. to ride on, given the different soils and the deep gorges. Designing a Quiet Experience with Gordon Hempton, An Insiders Guide to Celebrating Easter in Quito, Ecuador. Traditional food is served pambamesa style, meaning the food is served on a tablecloth that lies on the ground. Ecuadorians enjoy a day off and participate in typical parades and festivals to honor the laborers of the country. Foreign travelers and locals alike express their excitement about the Yamor Festival. This date is celebrated with a military parade and other events, in the city of Quito. The leader of each community wears the Aya Uma mask, which is composed of two faces to represent the dualities of this world: sun and moon, night and day, south and north, and past and future. On this day, locals put up high-spirited performances, entertainment shows, and parades that are truly a sight to behold. Regardless of whether the Feast Day falls on a Monday or a Saturday, people from all around gather for the celebration. In the cities of Quito and Guayaquil, there contests for the best-made dolls. The Inti Raymi celebrations take place during the months of June and July, however the major party id held on June 2st . A city of culture and striking contrasts where the old meets the new 17th century churches, museums, and neoclassical architecture connect with avenues brimming with modern shops, markets and charming restaurants and cafes. (You can unsubscribe anytime), By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Gulliver Expeditions, Mariscal Foch y Reina Victoria, Quito, 170143, https://www.gulliver.com.ec. What festival is celebrated in June in Ecuador? This magical place does exist, and its Backpacking through Ecuador is a mighty rewarding experience as it features fantastic things to do and places to visit. process did not succeed, this independence declaration is considered as a very important historic event, as this first cry for independence was followed by other leaders and nations, and started the The Paseo del Chagra takes place in the town of Machachi, in the Cotopaxi province, and consists of parades with horses, bulls, Andean music bands, dances and a Carnival best known from the festival in Rio de Janeiro with its eccentric clothes and dancing. We offer both pre-planned packages as well as tailor-made tours that can include the Amazon rainforest, once-in-a-lifetime Galapagos cruisesand expeditions to Machu Picchu. Duration: 15 days. In Ecuador, this is a harvest festival that takes places in the highland regions of the country. Inti Raymi is the ancient Inca Festival of the Sun celebrated between June 18 and June 24th - The day the sun on the equator is at his highest point of the year. hunters, which are other riders from the community. The festival originated in 1742 following the eruption of the Cotopaxi volcano. This festival sees men dressed up as It is also conventional for these festivals to include the drinking of brandy and liquor. This is the winter solstice when the masculinity of the universe is celebrated. The festivities include processions, music, dancing in the streets, fireworks, cock fighting, mock bull fighting and lots of fun. August - Boughton House, Kettering, Northamptonshire Established with a reputation for delivering the world's most enthralling performers to our doorstep, Harrogate International Festivals creates distinctive cultural experiences through their year-round delivery of festivals and events, as well as nurturing local talent. The town of Cotacachi and nearby villages come alive with week-long festivities that include street parades, song recitations, dance performances, and whatnot. Many Ecuadorians enjoy it with family as its creation and consumption is a social family activity. The celebration consists of parades and dances in costumes, in gratitude for the fertility of the soil and the good harvest. Thousands of cucuruchos walk among Jesus journey, symbolizing penitents who are wanting to repent and turn away from sin. It coincides with the harvest season and the end of an Andean agricultural cycle. Kapak Raymi takes place on December 21. Witness one of the biggest Catholic events on the planet at Cirio de Nazare in Brazil. The burning symbolizes the start of new experiences and better things to come. Head to Otavalo in the first two weeks of September to experience the best of religion and culture coming together. Fiesta del Yamor. The Spanish conquistadores considered Inti Raymi to be a heathen celebration. Recommendations, Terms and In Ecuador, it is celebrated with great popular joy in which dances and troupes predominate in many cities. Another tradition of this day is the There are many reasons to visit the Yamor Festival. September. Semana Santastarts on the second Sunday of April. It is a period of celebration and abundance before the fasting. . ), Top 9 Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Dol-de-Bretagne, France - Updated 2023, Top 10 Hotels With Gyms In Manchester, England - Updated 2023, 10 Best Halal Restaurants In Brooklyn, New York City, Top 9 Stayz Accommodations In Maleny, Australia. Finally, after spending the day visiting, each house hold enters the street and engages in a grand, energetic procession. Ramadan And Eid Ul-Fitr. They recharge and accumulate to so that we can zapatear again the next year. Celebrations like Corpus Christ i, Saint Juan, Saint Pedro and Saint Paul, with religious and pagan characteristics, which occur in the month of June in almost all the indigenous populations of the mountains. The most well-known festival takes place a few days prior and is called Carnival of Guaranda. EVENTS IN JUNE June 14-23-Corpus Christi Festival-Cuenca: The Corpus Christi Festival is an annual celebration that draws thousands to the street of central Ecuador's cultural hub and the surrounding highland towns and villages. Several Saints Days are celebrated in and around the time of Inti Raymi. The beauty of the ceremony lays o its origin which comes from the colonial era and evokes the indigenous and mestizo rebellion against the Catholic religion. (+1) 315 636 0940. The people of Pillaro and the The Yamor Festival (Corn Festival) in September. Independence of Cuenca - November 3rd: Shortly after the declaration of independence if Guayaquil in October of 1820, the city of Cuenca, the third biggest and most important of Ecuador, also Posted by Jacqueline Granda | Jun 19, 2020 | Festivals, Culture, Ecuador, Ecuadorian Author, The Andes, The North | 2 |. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Gulliver. They have lots of characters from Each community attempts to La Toma de la Plazabecause everyone wants to be the first to march and dance around the city square. One of the funniest customs is the tradition of the viudas or widows. Men dressed up as women, the viudas, danced in the streets, stopping cars and asking for money. Requirements to enter Galapagos The Coney Island Mermaid Parade brings thousands of guests to Surf Avenue for a day of elaborate costumes, festive food and drink, fine art, and all things aquatic. Calendar with Festivities and traditions of Ecuador Toll free US & CA: +1 833 2632636 Blog Travel Information Inquire Cotopaxi: A perfectly shaped active volcano: Cotopaxi, with an altitude of 5897 meters (19347 ft) is one of the highest active volcanoes of the world. Simn Bolvar Day or "Natalicio de Simn Bolvar" in Spanish is a national holiday in Ecuador celebrated on July 24th. There are no holidays today for the holiday type you chose. looks of passersby. declared its independence from the Spanish Crown on the 3rd of November of 18290. In many cities throughout Ecuador, youll find parades and festivals. Fireworks light up the sky at midnight. Protect Ansenuza National Parks Flamboyant Flamingos, The Imminent Threat of Cotopaxi Updated 2022, Book Review: Rough Guide, Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands. Some truly passionate people even stomp on the burning pile for effect. Corpus Christi usually takes place on the ninth Thursday after Easter Sunday, so if lucky, you may get to attend it along with Inti Raymi celebrations in June. many elaborate costumes and many other riders. Make your next purchase from Bookshop.org (our independent bookshop connection) using one of our links and help us earn a commission. Either falling in late May or early June, it's time for Corpus Christi. A largely popular religious festival, Corpus Christi is a time when Catholics celebrate and honour the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Carnival is a Catholic holiday that has blended with Andean traditions to become a huge festival. Which are the popular festivities of Ecuador? Battle of Pichincha - May 24: This national holiday commemorates the victory of the liberation forces during a determinant battle of 1822, and that signified the independence from the Spanish In Ecuador, the festival incorporates an older indigenous tradition of celebrating the second moon by throwing flowers, water and flour. This tradition is a parade composed of fanciful characters, and the highlight is of course Mama Negra, the Black Mother. La Mama Negra. Men dressed as women personify the viudas,mourning for the Ao Viejo Puppet. Led by celebrity guests named as King Neptune and Queen Mermaid, the parade starts as Surf Avenue and West 21st Street in Coney Island and concludes at Steeplechase Plaza. The Raymis enable communities to organize their cultural celebrations and their agricultural calendars around the central protagonist, the sun. crowd in Esmeraldas. Galapagos Islands Location Because of this, they thought the locals how to ride horses so that they could guide them through the difficult terrains, and thus the Chagra An exuberant display of fireworks the night before the main festival signals the beginning of a day-long series of revelries. Ecuador Festivals are probably of the most colorful and culture filled traditions of South America when it comes to holidays and festivities. Take a look and make sure to be part of one when visiting the Ecuadorian soil. Dear Angie, thank you so much for your warm words, I really appreciate your passion for the Latin America Culture, and in special for sharing your heart with us, its wonderful when the traditions and the ancestrality arrives to the other side of the continent with the happyness of the Inti Raymi celebration, We are together on the learning way, and of course Ecuador offers a huge cultural treasure to be discovered!