This weeklong festival takes place the first week of September in the Otavalo region. There are some more bucket-list locations of Ecuador near Otavalo. They dress in purple robes and don the veils in reverence for the woman who used her veil to wipe Jesus face. 3.Carnival While Carnival in Ecuador is not the spectacle that you'll find in Rio, it's plenty of fun in its own right. Carnival in Ecuador. Ecuadorians typically celebrate with parades, public dances, and loud music. The burning symbolizes the start of new experiences and better things to come. Fiesta del Yamor. Simn Bolvar Day or "Natalicio de Simn Bolvar" in Spanish is a national holiday in Ecuador celebrated on July 24th. June Solstice: Season: Jul 24: Monday: Simn Bolvar's Birthday Memorial: Observance: Aug 10: Thursday: Independence Day: National holiday: Aug . I love that you have started writing for us because it means that I will never stop learning about all that Ecuador has to offer! Families jump over their burning dolls, symbolizing self-purification for the New Year. The festivities include processions, music, dancing in the streets, fireworks, cock fighting, mock bull fighting and lots of fun. 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 The indigenous groups of Kichwa Cayambi and Kichwa Otavalo honour the Andean agricultural cycle , with a special attention to corn, which is considered to be a symbol of fertility. Ecuadorians enjoy a day off and participate in typical parades and festivals to honor the laborers of the country. tradition as Andean cowboys was born. The Spanish conquistadores considered Inti Raymi to be a heathen celebration. Salinas is the best city in Ecuador to view fireworks. Carnival: The celebration of Carnival across Ecuador comes before Lent. 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. The most well-known festival takes place a few days prior and is called Carnival of Guaranda. This customary soup is a rich concoction of twelve different grains (representing the twelve disciples) and salted fish. Sindhu Darshan Festival. The main day begins with a Mass at the church, followed by a procession. Carnival is characterized by spraying foam at anyone and everyone. On January 6th of In the Southern Hemisphere, the sun reaches its lowest height of the year. Its good to remember that anyone participating or attending the festival can become a victim of the coloured flour and water (or foam), so go prepared and protect any electronics (camera, mobile phone, etc.) Contact us today to start planning your trip! 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. These cultural representations were followed by music and dances, which generally lasted several days. In Ecuador, this is a harvest festival that takes places in the highland regions of the country. La Pambamesa is a generous and important act in the Andean worldview. Sat - Sun: Closed. This precious jewel of nature is a must see while on Ecuador, as it has something to offer for everyone: relax with wonderful landscapes, explore the forest from above the canopy or hike to a hidden waterfall. and mysteries. The traditional Ecuadorian fanesca (Lenten chowder) sells like hot-cakes during this time, so do give it a try. The festival usually takes place for a week, from June 21 onwards, during the summer solstice. crowd in Esmeraldas. Home- Traditional festivals 1. The indigenous community celebrates the Corpus Christi - June There are many events throughout the city, including open-air concerts and the Head to Guaranda and Ambato cities for the best carnival experience. What festival is celebrated in June in Ecuador? 15: Corpus Christi. A visit here will give you a generous helping of Ecuadorian culture-folklore, arts, crafts, ceramics and regional garments. This cheerful celebration has a long-standing tradition and is quite beloved in the Andean Where: Bordeaux, France. First, it's important to know the date. that you may be carrying. The exact date differs from year to year - usually, it takes place in February or early March. with the townspeople and with other characters of the parade. Cirio de Nazare. Ecuador is a diversified rich cultural country. Make sure you arrive on time, as it gets quite crowded. organized throughout the month, especially in the city of Quito. While origins of Mama Negra Festivities remain largely obscure, local understanding suggests connections to an eruption of the Cotopaxi volcano that endangered the lives of African slaves. During the festivities, there are ample opportunities to try Yamor as well as other traditional food and drink. Ecuadorians celebrate this day with military parades, as well as parades . Ambubachi Mela. Witnessing the entire procession evokes feelings of both beauty and pain. The date when Carnival takes place varies from year to year. devils, folk dances and parades throughout the city. The celebration also matches with the harvest season and the end of an Andean agricultural cycle. 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 All Souls Day - November 2: Dia de los Difuntos. In each celebration, it is easy to notice different types of characters. March 04, and 05 is celebrated as Carnival in Ecuador. Festival of the Sun (Inti Raymi), June 21 and onwards. The Inti Raymi is a traditional festival that is celebrated in countries across the Andes. All of this usually takes place around 12am on December 31, followed by dancing and merry-making of ringing in a brand new year. They symbolize the experiences and events of the past year. This dance often lasts more than twelve hours and includes characters such asthe Chinuca, the Aruchico and of course the infallible Diablohuma (Aya-Huma). In Ecuador, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th and is a time for families to come together and celebrate. The Yamor Festival (Corn Festival) in September. Mama Negra Festivities in September and November, The Festival of La Mama Negra takes place in the town of Latacunga in Ecuador at the end of September and again during the week of November. Celebrated on June 21, this day the sun is closer to the earth, making the day shorter and the night longer. This time is also called Inti Guatana which means to harness the sun. Ecuadors Pllaro city (near Baos city) rings in the new year in a rather unique manner by hosting La Diablada de Pllaro that takes place from January 1 until January 6. Day of the Virgin of Quinche - November 21st: Quinche is a small community located a few kilometers north of Quito, in the Pichincha Province. Spy on the birds and animals in their natural habitat such as toucans, parrots, caimans and thousands of other species. Though it take place throughout the country, Guaranda and Ambato are the major carries of the tradition. The doll represents the The festival was established when the Cotopaxi volcano erupted in 1742. This day is celebrated on the Friday before Easter Sunday. But, Inti Raymi is the biggest festival in the country in. Thousands of locals and tourists gather as onlookers of a tradition that processes through the streets of Latacunga. These religious processions are based in the biblical events of the Calvary of Christ and are carried out by voluntary devotees, who see this as a form of repentance and penance and as a strong demonstration of their faith. the Yasuni National Park bestow upon the Amazon its special human character and identity. A largely theatrical display, Holy Week in Quito fervently demonstrates penitence and sorrow. the Andes by Alexander Vol Humboldt. hunters, which are other riders from the community. take place in the Caar Province, in the Ingapirca community, just beside of Ecuadors most important archeological site. Food includes beans, corn, potatoes, and guinea pig. Walking the street during this long weekend means you are a most likely in the middle of the event. Two dates are of utmost importance. In Ecuador, the festivities of Corpus were celebrated in June, with special intensity in the colony, through large popular mobilizations and colorful theatrical events, whose actors interacted a lot with the public. Aya Uma is a relevant character throughout the festivities. The ancient festival of Inti Raymi (literally "Festival of the Sun") celebrates the summer solstice. Our indigenous ancestry and traditions do not die. What is the Festival of Ecuador? They also indulge in Mulled Wine, Cocada, and Quento. It is celebrated by the Kichwa peoples of Ecuador. The celebration consists of parades and dances in costumes, in gratitude for the fertility of the soil and the good harvest. Required fields are marked *. The party gathers the whole town and foreigners alike. Semana Santa starts from a week before Sunday called Palm Sunday and lasts for a whole week. One key moment of these festivals is the performance by the Banda de Pueblo. 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 Its largest celebrations are held in Otavalo, The Middle of the World and Cayambe. If you want to take part in this exquisite cultural experience, we recommend arriving early as massive crows line the demonstration route. What is an important holiday in Ecuador? Celebrations take place starting the eve of the holiday in Cayambe, Cotocachi, and Chimborazo cities with giant bonfires lit on the streets. 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. November 7, 2021 . Unsubscribe in one click. An annual festival in the highland town of Otavalo. If you are in Ecuador around the time of the festival, add a trip to Latacunga to your itinerary and witness this exuberant parade for yourself. One of the most beautiful cities in all South America, blessed with invigorating spring-like weather, and which was pronounced a Humanitys Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Festivities of Ecuador include religious ceremonies often using Andean symbols, as well as different ceremonies that are sacred to each village. Locals don traditional outfits and put up lively song-and-dance performances, processions, and food fairs that mainly sell traditional foods and beverages. 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! This "Day of the East" celebration includes fairs in Puyo, Macas, Zamora, and The most important events and processions of this Catholic celebration are: La procesion de Ramos or Palm Sunday Procession of the towns of Lican and Chambo, in the Chimborazo Province. Conditions. Expect processions and feasting. Head to Otavalo in the first two weeks of September to experience the best of religion and culture coming together. 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. With an abundance of natural beauty and cultural wealth, Ecuador is easily one of the best South American destinations to visit. It is typically non-alcoholic, although those that are fermented longer contain alcohol. Epiphanys Day - January 6th: Epiphanys Day is marked with Christmas carols, masses, music performances, traditional dances, processions, and even fireworks. 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. Families and delegations join in. Festivals in Ecuador are some of the most interesting and enjoyable events found throughout the world. This is one of the most important folkloric traditions of Ecuador and has been declared an Intangible Cultural Treasure of Ecuador. Latacunga celebrates La Mama Negra or Black mother. For this reason, Corpus Christi celebrations are often intertwined with the summer solstice, also known as Inti Raymi. No group would be complete without their own special music, song and dance, often accompanied by guitars, flutes,rondadores, a pan-pipe typical of the Ecuadorian Andes. Historically considered the devils mask by the Spanish, the indigenous population considers Aya Uma to be a mythological spirit that ought to be highly respected. One of them is the energetic renewal that consists of submerging or entering waterfalls, rivers or springs bordering each community and through torrential or calm water, which descends from the moors or slopes of the snowy mountains, the objective is to purify spiritually , thank the greatness of nature and reaffirm the commitment to Pacha Mama. This bizarre celebration is held in Pllaro (north of Tungurahua Province, near Baos City) between the 1st and the 6th of January of each year. Thank you, mi querida Jacquie, for teaching me even more about the wonderful Inti Raymi celebrations that take place near your home! Wooden cart racing, cockfighting, mock bullfighting, and lake swimming are some of the other highlights of this cultural event in Ecuador. The people of Pillaro and the what festival in ecuador is celebrated in june? Thousands of people walk in this passionate demonstration of repentance. People anticipate Holy Week several weeks prior when signs for fanesca begin appearing. Festivals in Quito An eclectic mix of events marks Fiestas de Quito which runs from November 28 to December 6. Notable elements include Nativity reenactments, bullfights, traditional dancing and carnivals in the Old Town. +1 833 This is best seen during the Desfile de Alegra (Parade of Joy), an event of national importance that attracts many special guests who celebrate the origins of San Pedro de Cayambe. It usually takes place six weeks prior to Easter Sunday and falls around any time between February to March. request a donation from passing cars. It is a celebration of the intercultural peoples of Otavalo. 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. Submerging into a rich cultural tradition is probably one of the best ways to get to know the country and its people. Created by Peru's earliest civilization to celebrate the most venerated god in the Inca religion, Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, is still observed in indigenous populations throughout the Andes on June 24th. Ecuador Independence Day (August 10th) Ecuadorians celebrate independence from Spain on August 10, 1809. She proudly shares travel experiences with adventurers who want to explore new places. The locals of the region asked the Virgin of Mercy, the patron of Cotopaxi, to spare Latacunga. Inti Raymi consists of a lot of dancing. Blog Post Throughout the Andes region, Inti Raymi takes place annually between June 21 and June 24. A self-proclaimed aesthete striving for a fulfilling personal and professional life. Consequently, it is also the longest night of the year. 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. Ecuadorians love to celebrate. There will be week-long celebrations that take place from March to April (dates vary due to the lunar calendar). The lyrics reflect that past and present retain much in common. There are no holidays today for the holiday type you chose. You can take part in the celebrations anywhere in the country, but those in the towns of Pujil and Cuenca are the most popular ones. September 1-15. During this festival, youll notice locals offering coloured flour, flowers, and water (or sometimes foam) to honour the second moon of the year and to add a dash of fun to the festivities. It takes place every on June 21 when the sun passes through the Tropic of Cancer. Protect Ansenuza National Parks Flamboyant Flamingos, The Imminent Threat of Cotopaxi Updated 2022, Book Review: Rough Guide, Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands. . This date is celebrated with parades and other cultural events across the country. Foreign travelers and locals alike express their excitement about the Yamor Festival. They have lots of characters from Head on to Quitos historic city centre, which is the hub of all the activities during the festival. This year an Inti Raymi must be experienced from homes rather than in communities. Various harvest festivals throughout the country. Its all for entertainment, and those that do the soaking often get soaked right back. Rather, the festival is celebrated in towns and cities throughout Peru, each putting their own unique spin on things. One of the most popular Christmas traditions in Ecuador is Los Posadas. So, regardless of the time of the year you visit, theres always a festival you can participate in and enjoy. is El Danzante (the dancer), also known as the rain priest, and it symbolizes the goodness and generosity of the indigenous communities. 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. Yamor is a traditional drink consisting of seven different types of corn. The Day of the East - February 12th: This day marks an anniversary of the countrys discovery of the Amazon River. They gather to celebrate and pray to the Virgin Mary of Monserrat and indigenous goddess Pachamama for the fertility of the soil and a good harvest. June 23, 2020 - 4:12 pm; Ultimate Guide to CoLiving May 18, 2020 - 10:52 pm; This event brings together communities like Pesillo, Ayora, Juan Montalvo, Asczubi, Santa Rosa de Cusubamba, Otn, Cangahua, Guachal, Gonzlez Surez, Zuleta, Pisambilla, Olmedo, Paquistancia, La Remonta and more. It is also known as Fiesta de la Virgen de la Caridad. Some families make their own, and they can be purchased as well. Carnival occurs right before Lent, so its peoples last opportunity to have some crazy fun before the somber religious season. It is held to celebrate the founding of the city in 1960 and it is done in full fervour by spirited flamenco performances, bullfighting, opera shows, theatre performances, exhibitions, games, and lots of other activities. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ). The word Yamor refers to a traditional beverage, which is brewed using seven varieties of corn and is unique to this area. The peak of the festival is on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, when hordes of locals participate in street parades, festivities, and fairs. Given Ecuadors Catholic faith and tradition, Christmas is celebrated all along the Ecuadorian territory. However, since this festival is enjoyed during a dry period with cool temperatures, it is an ideal time for harvesting corn, barley, wheat, and other delicacies that Pacha Mama bestows upon us. Do you love books as much as we do? In Guayaquil, the dolls are massive. It is the moment when family members, communities, and guests delight in a buffet-style feast of local produce. Celebrated to honour Incan sun god Inti, Inti Raymi is an excellent festival for visitors who want to learn more about the ancient Inca Empire. 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. In Ecuador, Inti Raymi (or the Fiesta del Sol ), was declared a festival of Intangible Cultural Heritage on June 29, 2016. Second, it's good to know if a community has held events in the past. Inti Raymi is a festival that is directly related to the end of the harvest season and, to this day, is recognized country-wide. No matter the ages, everyone participates! Cuarenta, a typically Ecuadorian card game, is also enjoyed by many during this time. Chiva party buses run through the entire city and each neighbourhood puts up its own open-air music and dance shows, turning Quito into a giant discotheque! The celebration includes a grand parade containing floats, dancers, and traditional Andean music. 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 As soon as the Andean summer begins,Inti Raymi is a celebration and gratitude to the sun. This magical place does exist, and its Furthermore, everyone wears their best and most traditional finery with colorful details hoping to outshine one another. Paseo del Chagra - July 21: Chagra is the name given to the Andean Cowboys. Scroll down for the most popular festivals in Ecuador. There is an opening celebration which is then followed by a party that lasts for eight days. People also use buckets of water and water balloons to make passersby soaking wet. The celebration of Ecuadorian Mardi Gras celebrations finds its roots in Christianity as attendees remember, honour, and celebrate Jesus Christ. No matter the color of ones skin or relationship to the community, everyone is welcome to share in this moment. Eating from the ground is a means to receive energy from mother earth. This music can be found throughout the festival, as there are concerts and live music during the week by national and international artists. There are several rituals with which the Inti Raymi is celebrated. A deeply Andean tradition, the Sun Festival begins with the sunset of the longest night of the year. This festival sees men dressed up as They present a brilliant insight into the countrys history, culture, and warmth that youll surely enjoy. This battle took place on the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano, where the city of Quito is located. Colorful, noisy markets populate the town square manned by the indigenous people of Ecuador just as it was long before the Spanish conquest. On its west is the Pacific Ocean, and it was once home to the pre-Columbian Inca Empire. First cry for independence - August 10: On the 10th of August of 1809, in the city of Quito, the local leaders decided to declare the independence from the Spanish Crown. Originally a religious ceremony of the Inca Empire, celebrated in honor of the god Inti (the Quechuan word for sun), it is held on June 22 in Ecuador and June 24 in Per, during the summer solstice in South American countries north of the equator, and during the winter solstice in those countries south . Transforming intangible thoughts/wishes into words for a tangible living. 12. Another common New Years Eve tradition in Ecuador is to wear red and yellow undergarmentsyellow for luck and prosperity and red for love in the coming New Year. The holy week - March 19th to -21st: This Catholic holiday commemorates the biblical events of Calvary of Christ. It blends the celebration of Koya Raymi (the ritual of the moon and the sun as elements of fertility) with Catholic traditions. Online Booking & Payment Policies It's a public event and celebrated in the whole country very warmly, learn more Good Friday in Ecuador. be surprised by the gigantic masterpieces, that will be burnt at midnight. The Raymis enable communities to organize their cultural celebrations and their agricultural calendars around the central protagonist, the sun. Mama Negra is a unique multicultural experience that you wont forget. and includes music, parades, dancing, costumes, and it will be difficult to miss locals throwing flour and water to visitors and passers-by. Inti Raymi, takes place on June 21 when the proximity of the sun to the earth marks a new annual cycle. It is perhaps the biggest and most important indigenous celebration in Ecuador. Cucuruchos, who are persons that dress in a purple, long 6. Throughout the Ecuadorian Sierra, it is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year. If you are in Ecuador at the beginning of September, we recommend that you check it out for an unforgettable experience. The three main characters are the devil, guaricha and capariche. celebrated in many locations, including Chillogallo (Quito), Lican, Gatazo Grande, Chimborazo, Montecristi (Manabi), Cuenca (Azuay), Calpi, Tisaleo, Ambato (Tungurahua) and many other cities. There are no holidays in Ecuador today. Which are the popular festivities of Ecuador? So, if you are planning a visit to Ecuador anytime soon, heres our list of the best Ecuador Festivals and traditional customs. From this area, you are in close proximity to the volcanic lagoon/crater of Cuicocha. 5. We support businesses on their journey to create tourism for good. Join our email list to learn more! Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. Gulliver Expeditions is a tour operator that offers uniqueEcuadorand Peru tours. This wonderful celebration is performed in the esplanade of Sacsayhuaman every June during the celebrations and aims to pay tribute to the Sun God, the supreme symbol of reverence in the Inca culture. The last float to appear carries the Jess del Gran Poder statue, a 17th-century work of art depicting Jesus journey to the cross. August, the month of the arts: In Ecuador, the month of August is considered the month of Culture and arts. You can spend the night in some of the best places to stay in Ecuador, including hotels and vacation rentals. Cacera Del Zorro (foxhunt) - October 1st to the 8th: The city of Ibarra celebrates its foundation during the month of October. Dont forget to try the traditional chicha de yamor (fermented corn drink). Christmas is famous for gifts, merry and of course, our old man - the Santa Claus and it is the same, worldwide. This time coincides with the same harvest season and the end of an Andean agricultural cycle. Payment Center The celebration also matches with the harvest season and the end of an Andean agricultural cycle. It is celebrated with rituals, street dancing and even bullfights. Inti Raymi is one of the most traditional festival celebrations in the Ecuadorian Andes. region. 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. The party involves traditional dances (San Juan) and drinks (Chicha de Jora). Held in the city of Otavalo, the Yamor Festival sees a cultural conglomeration of people from the Imbabura region. 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. In Cuenca the celebration of Santos Inocentes brings up special interest from the people who celebrate it. It blends the celebration of Koya Raymi (the ritual of the moon and the sun as elements of fertility) with Catholic traditions. If you happen to be in Quito duringduring this period, make sure you catch one of the multiple processions and immerse yourself in tradition. trees, and in Quito, the city builds the nativity scene in the Panecillo, using the statute of the winged virgin. When the city was ultimately spared, locals created the annual festivity in honor of the Virgin of Mercy. The Fox is a horse rider dress in back, with a cape hanging from his back. 11. In the city of San Pedro de Cayambe, they celebrate San Pedro from June 21-29. The most famous and interesting event of these celebrations is an - Inti Raymi is one of the most traditional Ecuadorian Andes festivals. A pre-Conquest festival celebrated on the solstice at important ancient sites such as Cochasqu. People often eat from a pambamesa with their hands. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); About Us