Traditions of Ecuador. Ecuadorian families. Holy Week in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Ecuador, which is located in South America, came under the influence European current culture, but still many native national traditions and the customs have survived and flourished. It is not easy to find in such countries, where the values ​​of other states, more modern morals, and such loyalty to ancestral roots have been pouring in for decades.

Ecuador can truly be proud of the fact that it has preserved ancient customs, as well as a culture known from the Indian heritage. All this is clearly expressed in family ties And social activities. Such aspects are also reflected in politics.

The church in this state is of very high importance. It has great power in the life of society as a whole and individually for each Ecuadorian. The Christian church has a particular influence; it is she who more clearly inspires behavior in society.

It is interesting that it is the clergy who enjoy such great authority. They are able to decide life problems residents and political life countries. Clergy help in controversial situations.

A prerequisite for marriage is its consecration in the church. Of course, the marriage will be valid without this, but before God it will be unrecognized. The Church is quite skeptical about such unions. Spain made the strongest impact on Ecuador with its culture and traditions, but nevertheless the Ecuadorians did not accept its hot temper and temper.

Ecuador is an absolutely balanced and calm nation, this is especially clearly expressed in the inhabitants inhabiting the mountain clusters; they believe that there is no need to waste themselves and their energy on anger and aggression, it is better to direct it in a peaceful direction, doing useful things. This life credo was absorbed with mother's milk and took root in them as a habit for a long time. Ecuadorians can even be considered slow, since they take on any task with feeling and sense.

The character of the inhabitants of this country can be described in literally two words - pride and slowness. Any unpleasant situations and disputes are resolved in a very short time. More serious scandals rarely arise. This can only happen if pride is hurt. As you remember, traditions and customs are very valuable for every resident of this interesting country.

Life is accompanied by some problems and stress, it is simply impossible to constantly accumulate emotions in yourself, you need to get rid of them in order to maintain an even peace of mind. The emotional outburst of Ecuadorian residents occurs in the markets. Nowhere else will you find such a noisy trading process. It is in the process of buying or selling that exactly those character traits appear that were not previously revealed and are restrained in every possible way.

An element such as family is considered the meaning of life, which is a fundamental and most important process for creating a healthy society. The relationships that occur within the social unit are important for every resident, without exception.

Tributes to venerable age and parents took center stage in public sphere Ecuador. This relationship applies not only to individual families, but also in everyday life. Children treat their parents sincerely and kindly, and treat others with respect.

It is quite normal in Ecuador for parents to live together with their children, especially the younger ones; it is even a certain rule of life. Those living separately also do not remain indifferent to their parents. In any family, relationships are built in such a way that each member must help each other. Older children take care not only of mom and dad, but also of their sisters and brothers.

Just like in Slavic, in European countries There are also godparents and godchildren. This is primarily due to deep Christian beliefs. The relationship between these family ties sometimes very difficult to understand, especially with regard to financial circumstances.

Godparents support their godchildren not only in difficult situations, but also throughout life (both morally and materially), participate in its development, relationships, etc. Help, of course, is mutual, and not unilateral. The connections between godparents can be traced in this country both in business and even in politics, these ties are so strong and reliable.

Unlike Asian families, in Ecuadorian families, men and women have equal rights, and their position in society is identical to each other, the distribution of responsibilities occurs by agreement.

The spouse can take on the role of homemaker, fully ensuring order and comfort; the spouse can become a financial support for the family. No one has the right to tell a woman what she should do and what she should absolutely not do. She, like her husband, can work on the financial well-being of the family.

Ecuadorians drink alcohol on very rare occasions; this is practically an exception to the generally accepted rules. They drink alcohol, as a rule, during holidays that are very important to them. We can safely say that Ecuadorians are for a healthy mind in a healthy body.

In addition to restraint in drinking alcohol, local citizens also have restraint in clothing. In this country, simplicity and modesty are an indicator good taste. Of course, in this colorful country there is no adherence to a certain type of clothing, but still the more preferable style is classic.

1st of January - New Year.
March - Holy Week.
May 1 - Labor Day.
May 24 - Day of the Battle of Pichincha.
May 26 is the feast of Corpus Christi.
July 24 is Simon Bolivar Day.
August 10 - Independence Day.
November 2 is All Souls' Day.
December 25 - Christmas.

Like any other Catholic country, Ecuador has many holidays and festivals based on the liturgical calendar. At the same time, many holidays, clearly having absorbed traditional folk motives, are celebrated very colorfully and spectacularly, combining canonical ceremonies and elements of traditional Indian rituals.

The country's main secular holiday is Ecuador's Independence Day, which is celebrated on a grand scale throughout the country. At the same time, each city celebrates its own Independence Day: Guayaquil - October 9, Cuenca - April 11, Quito - December 6, etc. Also, many cities necessarily celebrate the city day, for example, the Founding Day of Quito (December) turns into a big folk holiday with various festivals, fairs and bullfights.

In January, New Year (Ano Nuevo) and Epiphany (Reyes Magos, mainly in the central part of the Sierra and on the coast) are celebrated noisily and colorfully. February celebrates the Festival of the Merciful Virgin (February 1) in Mira, Amazon and Galapagos Day (February 12), the Fruit and Flower Festival (Ambato, mid-month) and National Unity Day (February 27). At the end of February - beginning of March, a three-day folk Carnival (Carnival of Water) takes place. In March, it is worth paying attention to the Peach Festival in Gualaseo, the Fruit Festival in Saraguro and the theatrical performance of the Way of the Cross to Calvary in Atuntaki. Holy Week (Semana Santa, March-April) is celebrated various events countrywide. From April 19 to 21, Riobamba hosts the Folklore Festival, and Ibarra hosts the Latin American Craft Fair (April 22-26) and the Day of Return, in memory of the devastating earthquake of 1872.

In May there is a mystical festival in Cuenca and a Masquerade in Ona (May 2), a religious festival in Checa (May 3), the Amazon Fair in El Puyo (May 11-14) and National holiday in honor of the Battle of Pichincha (May 24). In June, the ancient Inti-Raimi (“Festival of the Sun”, June 21) is held in Cochasquil and other places of worship of ancient Indian peoples, the Festival of St. John the Baptist (June 24) in Otavalo, and national holidays in honor of San Pedro and San Pablo ( Saints Peter and Paul, June 28-29), especially colorful in Cayamba and the Northern Sierra, as well as the Grain Festival in Sangoloqui and the Rooster Festival of Gallo Compadre in Calpi. The last Friday in June is a day off.

July is marked by festivities in honor of the birthday of Simon Bolivar, large celebrations in honor of the founding of the canton of Santo Domingo (July 3-29), processions and fireworks for Carmen Day (July 16) in Ibarra, the Chakra gaucho festival in Machachi (July 23), numerous events in honor of the founding day of Guayaquil (July 23-25) and a bullfight on St. James the Apostle Day (July 29) in Pillaro.

In August, in addition to Independence Day, the Independence Day of the city of Esmeraldas (August 5), the Virgen de las Nieves (Maiden of the Snow, August 5-7) festival in Sicalpa and the San Jacinto Festival in Yaguachi are celebrated. The religious festival with pilgrimage in honor of the Virgin of El Cisne (August 15-20), starting in the city of the same name, continues in September in Loja. Also interesting is the Yamor festival with a huge number of cultural events in Otavalo (September 2-15), the agricultural fair in Makara and bullfights in Sangolki (September 8-9), the agricultural fair in Machala (World Banana Fair, September 20-26), in honor of the Virgin of Mercedes in Latacunga and Quito, smoothly developing into the Fiesta de La Mama Negra (Festival of the Black Mother, patroness of the region, September 23-24) was held (supported), as well as the Festival of the Lakes in Ibarra, accompanied by car races in Yahuarcocha Lagoon, beauty pageants and numerous fairs. Guayaquil's Independence Day (national holiday) is celebrated on October 9th.

November 2 begins one of the most beloved local holidays - Spiritual Day or All Souls' Day, when almost the entire country visits the graves of their ancestors. On November 3, Cuenca celebrates Independence Day, and on November 21, El Quinche hosts a festival in honor of the Virgin of El Quinche, accompanied by pilgrimages and various religious ceremonies. December 6 celebrates the founding day of Quito (bullfights, folklore performances and other events), and on Christmas Eve (December 24) various theatrical performances are organized.

Shops, offices and many establishments are closed during religious holidays and festivals, transport is often irregular, and there is simply not enough room in hotels, so it is recommended to make reservations in advance and plan your movement around the country taking these points into account. At the end of February and beginning of March, many people go on vacation before school starts. school year. Therefore, during this period, many popular places in the coastal area and mountainous areas are overcrowded, all seats in popular restaurants and most hotels are pre-booked, so this period is not recommended for visiting resort areas.

Ecuador is located in northwestern South America. The name of the country translated from Spanish means “equator”: the zero line runs through the entire territory, ensuring uniform heating by the Sun. Ecuador borders Colombia and Peru and is washed in the west by the Pacific Ocean. The country is famous for its volcanoes (including the highest active volcano in the world of Cotopaxi), mangrove and tropical forests, but the main attraction is the Galapagos Islands, where Charles Darwin conducted research. Now tourists can visit this unique archipelago and see the most unimaginable species of plants and animals.

In the lowland areas and in the northern part of the Pacific coast, an equatorial climate prevails. Daytime temperatures throughout the year do not fall below +28°C. The hottest and wettest time is from December to May: during the day about +31°C, precipitation 200-250 mm monthly. In the Oriente region, the climate is hotter and more humid: during the day up to +38°C, the annual precipitation rate is 4500 mm. In the south of the Pacific coast and in the area of ​​​​the Galapagos Islands, the cold Peruvian Current passes, which reduces the amount of precipitation. The Galapagos Islands are cool and dry from May to December, with about 10 mm of rainfall per month.

Money of Ecuador

The national currency is the Ecuadorian sucre. However, since 2000, US dollars have been in circulation - banknotes of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 dollar, coins of 1 dollar, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.
1 USD = 7 UAH

Ecuadorians are one of the few peoples of South America who have inherited the features of their Indian ancestors. Despite strong influence European culture, ancient rituals and traditions have been preserved. Clergymen enjoy unquestioned authority and often act as intermediaries in many controversial issues. Marriages without a wedding are unthinkable, although legal, and Sunday service is an important event V public life. Another tradition is hospitality. A guest is always a long-awaited participant in the feast, even if he arrived at the wrong time. Far from large cities, it is considered polite to say hello to everyone you meet. It is not recommended to photograph local residents without their consent (interior Indians agree to pose only for a fee).

The basis national cuisine- soups and stews, dishes made from grains, rice, eggs and vegetables. The recipe for local soups is entirely based on the centuries-old traditions of our ancestors. The most popular dishes are locro soup with cheese, avocado and potatoes, chicken soup"caldo de galina" and "chupe de pescado" of fish and vegetables. Potatoes and other “European” side dishes are replaced with fried bananas, yuca, cassava and other fruits.

Sights of Ecuador

The capital of Ecuador is considered one of the most beautiful cities in South America. Quito is located at an altitude of 2850 m above sea level and just 22 km south of the equator and is famous for its pleasant climate and breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped mountains. Founded by the Cara Indians in the 10th century AD, Quito in its heyday competed with the Inca capital of Cusco and was one of the largest cities of this ancient empire. But in early XVI century the city was completely destroyed. In 1534, the Spaniards began building a new capital on the site of ancient Quito. Today, Quito is a picturesque mixture of colonial buildings and modern structures. To the main attractions of the Old Town, which was included in the List in 1978 World Heritage UNESCO, refers to a complex of historical buildings around Independence Square, Santo Domingo and San Francisco. Just 15 minutes' drive north of the capital is the equator, where the cultural and entertainment complex Ciudad Mitad del Mundo ("Middle of the World") is located, with a 30-meter monument marking zero latitude. Nearby are the picturesque ruins of Rumicho Inca, the archaeological site of Cochasqui (13th century) and the hot springs at Oyacachi.

A long and narrow valley south of Quito, which Alexander von Humboldt poetically dubbed the "road of the Volcanoes", stretches between two mountain ranges. Nine of Ecuador's ten highest peaks are found here, including Chimborazo (6,310 m) and Cotopaxi (5,897 m). Half (about 7 million people) of the country’s population lives in the valley. Almost the entire valley runs along the Pan-American Highway, which provides an opportunity to see the most famous volcanoes. It is worth visiting the local colorful towns: Cayambe and the nearby Ecological Reserve, the “white city” of Ibarra with its good-natured and cheerful population, Otavalo (world famous for its Saturday market in Plaza De Ponchos), as well as the El Angel Ecological Reserve and the nearby town of the same name.

Cuenca - shining example European colonial urban planning. The city was founded by the Spaniards in 1557 on the site of the Incas Tomebamba. Cuenca has much in common with Quito's Old Town - the same narrow cobbled streets, colonial buildings with balconies, the same abundance of white temples and museums. The city's attractions include the Catedral de La Inmaculada Concepción with its azure domes and marble façade, the Cathedral of San Francisco, the Church of San Sebastian, the monastery and church of the Convento de Las Conceptas, the Monastery of Carmen de la Asuncion , the Central Bank Museum, the Intidad Canari Museum and the Art Populares Museum with a rich collection of art objects.

Guayaquil

The port of Guayaquil is called the heart of the southern coast. The city's convenient location makes it an excellent starting point for trips to southern Ecuador. Tourist attractions include the picturesque colonial district of Las Penas, the coastal Malecon boulevard, Plaza Civica, the Clock Tower, the glass and steel indoor market Mercado Sur and the botanical gardens complex. The city's museums are especially interesting: Municipal Museum, the Abirto Museum in the building of the San Carlos Fortress (1629), as well as the Museum of Anthropology and Art with a rich collection of ceramics, ritual accessories and gold items from the ancient civilizations of South America. Northeast of the city, in La Puntilla, is the Historical Park.

February-March (dates vary)- Water Carnival (3 days)

March-April (dates vary)- Holy Thursday (Easter) and Good Friday(Good Friday) and Holy Saturday (Holy Saturday).

May 24- Day of the beginning of independence. Anniversary of the Battle of Pichincha. Batalladel Pichincha.

June (dates vary)- Feast of Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi.

The main carnival in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Most tourists and locals prefer to celebrate Carnival in Ambato. Colorful parades (Fiesta de las Flores y de las Frutas) are held here instead of throwing water on each other. main topic carnival in Ambato - flowers and fruits.

Holy Week in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Feast of Corpus Christi in Ecuador and Galapagos

Jean-Baptiste Day in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Saint Peter and Paul's Day in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Christmas in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

New Year in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

But the most exciting action takes place in Salinas. It is there that tourists come from many countries of the world and Ecuador. Huge figures of the old year sweep through the city streets. After this, they are burned with great noise in the courtyards of houses or in the square. Some men continue to celebrate the end of the old year even after they have celebrated the New Year. They put on widows' clothes and go from house to house, collecting money for their loved one who passed away that night - old year.

There are many more local celebrations throughout the country. Here are some of them:

September 23-24– Fiesta de la Mama Negra. Feast of the Black Mother, patroness of the province of Cotopaxi. The festival takes place in the provincial capital of Latacunga. Religious processions pass, sounds folk music, folk dances are performed

Rules of conduct in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

For example, never refuse an invitation to dance, drink, or eat. It is better not to visit places or families where a particular holiday is celebrated unless you want to dance, eat or drink, and most Ecuadorians are happy to drink more than just soft drinks. Alcohol is present at all holidays in Ecuador. And how they love to dance! But if you find yourself in such a situation, try to be polite, plead your health, try any dish you like, smile at overly hospitable people and calmly leave home.

The name of this country speaks for itself - the Republic of Ecuador is located on the equator and it is here that you can be in two hemispheres at once, placing one foot north and the other south of a geographical landmark. But this is not the only reason why travelers storm local spaces every year. The culture, cuisine and traditions of Ecuador are of no less interest to tourists than the natural beauty or the fabulous Galapagos Islands.

From the kingdom of Kitu

Ancient Indian tribes who lived on the territory of modern Ecuador once built a powerful empire called the kingdom of Quitu. Then it was conquered by the Incas and Spanish conquistadors, as a result of which arose unique culture– diverse, colorful and unusual. The traditions of Ecuador are the customs of the Quechua Indians, mixed with Spanish religious dogmas and adapted to life in a multi-ethnic and class society. Part ancient culture was lost without a trace, but today’s Ecuadorians managed to preserve much for themselves and for their descendants.

You are my godfather

One of the main family traditions Ecuador – appointment of godparents of a newborn. Godparents here participate in the upbringing and maturation of their ward, help both financially and morally, and support the godson throughout his life. This tradition even helps build a career and promote business.
For an Ecuadorian, family is the most important asset. Children are loved here, the elderly are respected, and women are treated with respect and care. Younger son or a daughter, according to Ecuadorian tradition, is obliged to take parents who have become infirm into their home, and therefore there are almost no nursing homes or lonely old people in the country.

Useful little things

• Ecuadorians, unlike other Latin Americans, are quite punctual, so when you receive an invitation to visit, do not be late! A small souvenir or flowers for the hostess of the house will be very useful both at a reception and at friendly gatherings.
• Smoking in in public places allowed in the country, but open use alcoholic drinks on the street is considered not too in good form.
• Ecuadorians are polite and reserved, calm and reasonable. It is not customary to talk about material wealth here, but you can ask questions about family and children.
• Ecuadorian tradition dictates asking local residents for permission before taking photos of them.