In Ecuador, towns and villages across the country regularly celebrate local festivals and saint days nearly every week of the year. The Cotopaxi National Park has many other attractions as the Rumiahui volcano, the Limpiopungo Lagoon or the Pucar de Salitre, an old Incan military outpost. Celebrated on June 21, this day the sun is closer to the earth, making the day shorter and the night longer. This "Day of the East" celebration includes fairs in Puyo, Macas, Zamora, and Despite a religious history, Festa Junina is celebrated mainly through . Like many festival traditions in Latin America, festivals in Ecuador are a fusion of Catholic influence and indigenous culture. This five-day festival in Somerset is dedicated to contemporary performing arts, from music to theater to dance to cabaret to everything in between and grows bigger and better each year. The party gathers the whole town and foreigners alike. Unsubscribe in one click. October 12 commemorates a special moment in American history the day explorer Christopher Columbus discovered America in the 15th century. What festival is celebrated in June in Ecuador? However, experiencing the true local vibe at these festivals is quite something in itself. Contact us today to start planning your trip! 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. It blends the celebration of Koya Raymi (the ritual of the moon and the sun as elements of fertility) with Catholic traditions. This small town is known for its Virgin and the pilgrimage Festivities of Ecuador include religious ceremonies often using Andean symbols, as well as different ceremonies that are sacred to each village. Locals don black pointed hats and wear goatskin chaps to elevate the overall traditional vibe. A pre-Conquest festival celebrated on the solstice at important ancient sites such as Cochasqu. of the Sun is one of the most important indigenous However, remember that you may encounter some alcohol-fuelled excess if venturing out late at night. The burning symbolizes the start of new experiences and better things to come. Ecuador has a long tradition of colourful festivals and fiestas that include the following: Inti Raymi Inti Raymi Festival celebrated in Ecuador and Peru. A Guide to Local Festivals in Ecuador - Not Your Average American 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. Thousands of locals and tourists gather as onlookers of a tradition that processes through the streets of Latacunga. As soon as the Andean summer begins,Inti Raymi is a celebration and gratitude to the sun. Cotopaxi, with an altitude of 5897 meters (19347 ft) is one of the highest active volcanoes of the world. 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. 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. When the town escaped the wrath of the volcano, an annual celebration was set in place in her honor, RELATED: TAKE A LOOK AT THESE ECUADOR CUSTOMIZABLE TRIPS AND TOURS, 7. The ritual serves to give thanks to Inti, the ancient Incan sun god, for giving the energy that provides the harvest. Or call our US Phone Line Latacunga celebrates La Mama Negra or Black mother. In the Southern Hemisphere, the sun reaches its lowest height of the year. A deeply theatrical tradition, Holly Week in Ecuador gathers iconic characters in a procession recreating Christs journey to the cross. Some truly passionate people even stomp on the burning pile for effect. 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. The procession, called the Jesus of Great Power procession, takes place on Holy Friday. Heritage Festivities - Ecuador Travel In Quito, a contest of highly detailed super-sized dolls is held on one of the capitals main streets, and they usually reflect the news and politics within the last year. 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 Semana Santa starts from a week before Sunday called Palm Sunday and lasts for a whole week. It is held to honour the life and works of Jesus Christ. This is planting time when the sun is moving away from the equator. The Holy Week what is widely known as 'Easter', in Spanish 'Semana Santa' is right around the corner. trees, and in Quito, the city builds the nativity scene in the Panecillo, using the statute of the winged virgin. Calendar with Festivities and traditions of Ecuador A great way to know a country, its customs, and its people is to celebrate in their festivities, full of rich culture and authenticity. Two dates are of utmost importance. 5) SAN PEDRO & SAN PABLO- JUNE 29 TH. This cheerful celebration has a long-standing tradition and is quite beloved in the Andean A largely theatrical display, Holy Week in Quito fervently demonstrates penitence and sorrow. This is one of the most amusing celebrations in Ecuador and it takes place at the end of the year. Wooden cart racing, cockfighting, mock bullfighting, and lake swimming are some of the other highlights of this cultural event in Ecuador. 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. What is Carnival. The Inti Raymi - a Traditional Festival That Celebrated Across the Both of these include folk dancers, performers, and singers, making the atmosphere more like a large religious party than a serious affair. what festival in ecuador is celebrated in june? 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. New Years Eve is celebrated throughout the country from small towns to big cities. The carnival that commences the celebrations is the Carnival of the Father, locally known as Taita Carnival. Paseo del Chagra - July 21: Chagra is the name given to the Andean Cowboys. 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. Inti Raymi is also the feast of sun and light. August, the month of the arts: In Ecuador, the month of August is considered the month of Culture and arts. Make sure you arrive on time, as it gets quite crowded. Holy Week is coming up soon. These characters walk along the procession with bare feet, and some with bare backs, which they hit with a whip made of ropes. Our indigenous ancestry and traditions do not die. Using the houses of the Priostes (in English, hosts), the community prepares the Rama de Gallo, with the most colorful and unique embroidered costumes, with fine instruments and special songs. This is an annual festival Ecuadorian town Latacunga comes alive with Mama Negra Festivities that take place twice in a year once towards around September 23 to 24, and once around Latacungas Independence Day on November 11. Each community attempts to La Toma de la Plazabecause everyone wants to be the first to march and dance around the city square. April 19, Friday will be held as Good Friday in Ecuador. It is the night in which people dance from dawn to dusk. 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. This colossus is located in the center of the Avenue of the Volcanoes and was recognized as the most beautiful and perfectly shaped mountain of Traditional festival and Celebrations in Ecuador | Real Dreams While you may see small performances here and there, head to Pllaros central park for some of the best acts. 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. Carnival in Ecuador This festival is celebrated mainly in Catholic countries. Source: Photo by user Celso Abreu used under CC BY 2.0. This is a music festival which also hosts dance competitions. Backpacking through Ecuador is a mighty rewarding experience as it features fantastic things to do and places to visit. This is one of the most important folkloric traditions of Ecuador and has been declared an Intangible Cultural Treasure of Ecuador. Bordeaux Wine Festival - Bordeaux, France. Women who want to become pregnant jump over the fires. Saga Dawa. People also use buckets of water and water balloons to make passersby soaking wet. One important element of this celebration And celebrate they do. 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. election of the citys beauty queen. This day is a national holiday in Ecuador and is celebrated with colorful Paredes in the historic center of Cuenca. But, Inti Raymi is the biggest festival in the country in. Submerging into a rich cultural tradition is probably one of the best ways to get to know the country and its people. Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Ecuador - Updated 2023, 7 Best Beach Resorts In Ecuador - Updated 2023, 12 Best Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Cuenca, Ecuador - Updated 2023, Puerto Lopez, Ecuador: Not Just The Gateway To Poor Man's Galapagos, Traditional Foods In Ecuador (You Have To Try! The date when Carnival takes place varies from year to year. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ). Residents prayed to the Virgin of Mercy to save Latacunga, which is directly in Cotopaxis fiery path. (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. The celebration also matches with the harvest season and the end of an Andean agricultural cycle. Recommendations, Terms and The Yamor festivities started 52 years ago. The most famous and interesting event of these celebrations is an Ecuador Festivals are probably of the most colorful and culture filled traditions of South America when it comes to holidays and festivities. What is the most famous tradition in Ecuador? - idswater.com Mama Negra is draped in an ornate outfit, carries a doll, and splashes scented milk on spectators. 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. Throughout the Ecuadorian Sierra, it is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year. August 10. 10 of the Best June Festivals Around the World in 2022 The Spanish conquistadores considered Inti Raymi to be a heathen celebration. Famous Cultural Festivals in Latin America | Getaway USA Quito's streets are filled with music and people celebrating the city. The festivities include processions, music, dancing in the streets, fireworks, cock fighting, mock bull fighting and lots of fun. 1. Which are the popular festivities of Ecuador? Every second Saturday of November the city of In Guayaquil, the dolls are massive. The week is celebrated with various events and religious ceremonies with rich cultural traditions. The procession ends at the Hacienda Zuleta where they thank and share this climactic moment. Dance and music as well as silence and contemplation are part of the ceremonies that take place in hills. Thousands of people walk in this passionate demonstration of repentance. The festival was established when the Cotopaxi volcano erupted in 1742. Festival of the Sun (Inti Raymi), June 21 and onwards. 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. A handwritten note, explaining the reason behind the dislike, is pinned to the effigies as you set fire to them. Another tradition of this day is the However, some villages prefer to use eggs and flour while more urban areas such as large cities will use the special carnival foam. 11. the Yasuni National Park bestow upon the Amazon its special human character and identity. Blog Post (+1) 315 636 0940. take place in the Caar Province, in the Ingapirca community, just beside of Ecuadors most important archeological site. 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. Home- Traditional festivals 1. The city shuts down for two days to celebrate Simn Bolvar's birthday and the foundation of Ecuador's most populous coastal city. Ganga Dussehra Location : Varanasi, Haridwar, Allahabad, Rishikesh, and Garhmukteshwar Date : 9th June 2022 This festival is dedicated to River Ganges. All Souls Day - November 2: Dia de los Difuntos. Moreover, Cotacachi town is also nearby, which is great for shopping. The word Yamor refers to a traditional beverage, which is brewed using seven varieties of corn and is unique to this area. Inti Raymi (Sun Festival) in June and July. The festivities include processions, music, dancing in the streets, fireworks, cock fighting, mock bull fighting and lots of fun. During this date, thousands of national and foreign tourists walk the streets of the historic center of Cusco and congregate on the esplanades of its main sites to experience a special day of cultural activities whose purpose is to revalue . Other activities include fireworks, bullfighting (the bull is not killed), and one popular event in which swimmers compete in a swimming competition across the icy waters of San Pablo lake. Traditional Corpus Christi Celebrations in Ecuador 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. Ambubachi Mela. The festivals origin is Inca. 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. Holidays In Ecuador, Traditional And National Festivals - Day Finders Brightly colored traditions, electrifying festivities, and local delicious food are often what make up the biggest event of the year in many communities. 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. No matter the color of ones skin or relationship to the community, everyone is welcome to share in this moment. September 1-15. Inti Raymi consists of a lot of dancing. It is a two-day long festival that marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. 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 They symbolize the experiences and events of the past year. The lyrics reflect that past and present retain much in common. 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! La procesion de Jesus del Gran Poder or procession of Jesus of Furthermore, everyone wears their best and most traditional finery with colorful details hoping to outshine one another. request a donation from passing cars. In Ecuador, there are no clear seasons like spring, fall, summer, and winter. Inti Raymi is a festival that is directly related to the end of the harvest season and, to this day, is recognized country-wide. 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. Semana Santastarts on the second Sunday of April. People like the Shuar and Ashuar in the central and southern jungles, the Cofanes, Sionas and Secoyas in the north and the Huaorani at the great power, that takes place in Quito, in the Pichincha province. wide array of agricultural products of the region. organized throughout the month, especially in the city of Quito. You can also explore quaint little villages or luxuriate along shimmery beaches. In many cities throughout Ecuador, youll find parades and festivals. Walking the street during this long weekend means you are a most likely in the middle of the event. dress, with a pointy hat of the same color that covers all of Otavalo is good to visit at the end of the month when it will be in the throes of one of Ecuador's best parties during Inti Raymi celebrations. Hemis Festival Hemis Festival is a two-day festival celebrated in a 300-year-old Hemis monastery near Leh. The Yamor festivities started 52 years ago. Dolls are a central character of the NYE celebrations. the celebrations can take up to 5 days. You can spend the night in some of the best places to stay in Ecuador, including hotels and vacation rentals. This mountain can be considered as one of the monuments with which Nature has made a great difference on Earth. It blends the celebration of Koya Raymi (the ritual of the moon and the sun as elements of fertility) with Catholic traditions. What is the Festival of Ecuador? Feast of the earthquake lord - February 4th: In Patate, Tungurahua, Seor del Terremoto takes place and is known as a feast of the earthquake lord. Every June 24, the Sun God is the protagonist of one of the most important and traditional festivities celebrated in Peru: The Inti Raymi or "Sun Festival". One key moment of these festivals is the performance by the Banda de Pueblo. equestrian activity known as Caceria del Zorro or Foxhunt. Ecuadors early settlers, their adoption of the Christian faith and their contemporary way of life today provides an interesting mixture which is still present in the countrys cultural expressions. with the townspeople and with other characters of the parade. The festival is often celebrated by playing with and throwing water. Eating from the ground is a means to receive energy from mother earth. The most celebrated Ecuadorian festivals and holidays during the first two months of the year are: Pillaro Diablada - January 1st-6th: The popular festival known as Pillaro Diablada is celebrated in the province of Tungurahua at the beginning of the year. 12 Peruvian Festivals, One for Each Month! | Active Adventures Celebrated in the central sierra, particularly Salasaca and Pujil with danzates (masked dancers), wonderful costumes and, in the latter town, 5-10m poles people climb to get prizes at the top. FAQs, Ecuador Festivals: A guide to the Top 7 Ecuadorian Holidays and Festivals, Nature Galapagos & Ecuador 2022 All Rights Reserved, This bizarre celebration is held in Pllaro (north of Tungurahua Province, near, A deeply theatrical tradition, Holly Week in Ecuador gathers iconic characters in a procession recreating Christs journey to the cross. 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. to ride on, given the different soils and the deep gorges. In Cuenca the celebration of Santos Inocentes brings up special interest from the people who celebrate it. Celebrated during the second week of June, Corpus Christi, which means "the body of . 2632636, Ecuador Travel what festival in ecuador is celebrated in june? Summer Festivals In Ecuador. Visceral energy permeates community members from the early hours of the morning when welcoming the suns first rays to the eventual sunset when dancing and singing take hold. The celebration of Ecuadorian Mardi Gras celebrations finds its roots in Christianity as attendees remember, honour, and celebrate 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. is the most important date for Guayaquil, which commemorates the date with parades and dance troupes through the city. that you may be carrying. Festivals in Ecuador are some of the most interesting and enjoyable events found throughout the world. There are many reasons to visit the Yamor Festival. People anticipate Holy Week several weeks prior when signs for fanesca begin appearing. Enjoy any of Ecuadors festivals with Gulliver. The Fox is a horse rider dress in back, with a cape hanging from his back. Dont forget to take caution though. Thousands of cucuruchos walk among Jesus journey, symbolizing penitents who are wanting to repent and turn away from sin. When the Spaniards introduced horses to South America, they discovered that the Andes where a very difficult terrain 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. 5 Festivals You Won't Want to Miss in Ecuador | International Living