Inti Raymi consists of a lot of dancing. Festivals in Ecuador are some of the most interesting and enjoyable events found throughout the world. Inti Raymi is one of the most traditional festival celebrations in the Ecuadorian Andes. organized throughout the month, especially in the city of Quito. However, remember that you may encounter some alcohol-fuelled excess if venturing out late at night. The week is celebrated with various events and religious ceremonies with rich cultural traditions. Endeavouring to transport you into (Do a quick search on the following sites). Another tradition of this day is the 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. The foods and drinks of Festa Junina include Steamed Cassava and Sweet Potato with Molasses, Sweet Corn Cake, and Portuguese Green Soup. Celebrations take place starting the eve of the holiday in Cayambe, Cotocachi, and Chimborazo cities with giant bonfires lit on the streets. A vibrant festival celebrated twice a year in September and November, Mama Negra is Latacungas biggest event of the year. As soon as the Andean summer begins,Inti Raymi is a celebration and gratitude to the sun. Because Corpus Christi is tied to Holy Week and its lunar calendar, it will not fall before May 21 or after June 24. Stalls on the streets in all big cities in Ecuador sell yellow and red undergarments, should you be lacking. Ambubachi Mela. You dont have to be an Ecuadorian to burn the effigies. What to pack for the Galapagos A colorful and joyful event, symbolizing new beginnings. This date is celebrated with parades and other cultural events across the country. When: All in March. You can also explore quaint little villages or luxuriate along shimmery beaches. Thousands of cucuruchos walk among Jesus journey, symbolizing penitents who are wanting to repent and turn away from sin. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! The Raymis enable communities to organize their cultural celebrations and their agricultural calendars around the central protagonist, the sun. Harrogate International Festivals. Which are the popular festivities of Ecuador? 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 is perhaps the biggest and most important indigenous celebration in Ecuador. At this party, you will find the traditional chicha drink which is made from corn, Blue Bird liquor, and beverages of Pajaro Azul. Semana Santa starts from a week before Sunday called Palm Sunday and lasts for a whole week. In Zuleta, they celebrate the festivities of San Juan. 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. Ecuador Festivals are probably of the most colorful and culture filled traditions of South America when it comes to holidays and festivities. Or call our US Phone Line Lollapalooza Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. This is an annual festival Payment Center It usually takes place six weeks prior to Easter Sunday and falls around any time between February to March. tradition as Andean cowboys was born. It blends the celebration of Koya Raymi (the ritual of the moon and the sun as elements of fertility) with Catholic traditions. The Spanish conquistadores considered Inti Raymi to be a heathen celebration. region. Ecuador Independence Day (August 10th) Ecuadorians celebrate independence from Spain on August 10, 1809. The burning of el Ao Viejo (New Years Eve) on December 31st. It is also known as Holy Friday, learn more Atacames, Provincia de Esmeraldas, Ecuador. The festivities include processions, music, dancing in the streets, fireworks, cock fighting, mock bull fighting and lots of fun. September. crowd in Esmeraldas. Carnival in Ecuador, known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday in the United States, is celebrated as a Christian tradition to indulge in life, before the liturgical season of Lent in remembrance of Jesus' suffering on the cross. The party gathers the whole town and foreigners alike. 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.) 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. People like the Shuar and Ashuar in the central and southern jungles, the Cofanes, Sionas and Secoyas in the north and the Huaorani at surrounding communities gather this day to don very elaborated costumes with important indigenous elements and then dance in celebration in the towns central plaza. Her trips always include interactions with locals and tasting traditional foods. Sindhu Darshan Festival. Ecuador has a long tradition of colourful festivals and fiestas that include the following: Inti Raymi Inti Raymi Festival celebrated in Ecuador and Peru. Some truly passionate people even stomp on the burning pile for effect. Your email address will not be published. La procesion de Jesus del Gran Poder or procession of Jesus of from devotees to this town on the 21st of November. 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. var ajaxurl="https://gulliver.com.ec/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php"; Mon - Fri: 8:30 - 17:30 It is held to honour the life and works of Jesus Christ. 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. Festivities of Ecuador include religious ceremonies often using Andean symbols, as well as different ceremonies that are sacred to each village. There will be week-long celebrations that take place from March to April (dates vary due to the lunar calendar). 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 . Lollapalooza brings a variety of the world's top artists hitting Argentina . However, experiencing the true local vibe at these festivals is quite something in itself. the Yasuni National Park bestow upon the Amazon its special human character and identity. This wooden statue is a symbol of hope and faith for many who live in Quito. The donations are then used to finance the new years party, organized by the different neighborhoods. In Ecuador, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th and is a time for families to come together and celebrate. However, some countries do have specific names for Santa Claus. Moreover, Cotacachi town is also nearby, which is great for shopping. Paseo del Chagra - July 21: Chagra is the name given to the Andean Cowboys. 1. people, who have the tradition of visiting the graves of their loved ones in the cemetery and leave their favorite meal by the grave, as a preset for the deceased. You can take a, Staying safe in Quito City A Guide for your Visit and Quito Safety Tips. October 12 commemorates a special moment in American history the day explorer Christopher Columbus discovered America in the 15th century. 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. Carnival: The celebration of Carnival across Ecuador comes before Lent. As Carnival takes place just before Lent, it's a last chance for many people to get in some good old fashioned fun before the more sobering religious time of year. Residents prayed to the Virgin of Mercy to save Latacunga, which is directly in Cotopaxis fiery path. 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". The party involves traditional dances (San Juan) and drinks (Chicha de Jora). It is typically non-alcoholic, although those that are fermented longer contain alcohol. Dont forget to take caution though. There are some more bucket-list locations of Ecuador near Otavalo. Carnival is a Catholic holiday that has blended with Andean traditions to become a huge festival. Health Insurance to visit Ecuador 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. 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 . 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. Moreover, many people will toast with a glass of chicha a traditional drink that has become part of the celebration's furniture. Holy Week is a time of celebration but with a focus on somber reflection as opposed to the large parties that other holidays see. People anticipate Holy Week several weeks prior when signs for fanesca begin appearing. Dance and music as well as silence and contemplation are part of the ceremonies that take place in hills. Thank you, mi querida Jacquie, for teaching me even more about the wonderful Inti Raymi celebrations that take place near your home! The Inti Raymi is a traditional festival that is celebrated in countries across the Andes. Other holidays commemorate historical events, such as Columbus Day on October 12th, the Birthday of Simon Bolivar on July 24th, and . Sat - Sun: Closed. First, it's important to know the date. The city shuts down for two days to celebrate Simn Bolvar's birthday and the foundation of Ecuador's most populous coastal city. They recharge and accumulate to so that we can zapatear again the next year. December 24: Christmas. Semana Santa (Holly Week) in Quito City in April. For the festivities, crops like corn, beans, and potatoes are shared and a traditional corn-based beverage called chicha is distributed. Food includes beans, corn, potatoes, and guinea pig. This time coincides with the same harvest season and the end of an Andean agricultural cycle. Quito's streets are filled with music and people celebrating the city. So this is our list, do you have any favorite Ecuadorian festival not mentioned here? November 7, 2021 . 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. This effigy made from newspaper, sawdust and cardboard represent political figures, personalities or even loved ones. Finally, after spending the day visiting, each house hold enters the street and engages in a grand, energetic procession. In the town of Pillaro, in the Tungurahua province, the indigenous community celebrates the Corpus Christi with an amalgam The Fox is a horse rider dress in back, with a cape hanging from his back. You can spend the night in some of the best places to stay in Ecuador, including hotels and vacation rentals. Transforming intangible thoughts/wishes into words for a tangible living. 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. 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. Bordeaux Wine Festival - Bordeaux, France. Ecuadorians enjoy a day off and participate in typical parades and festivals to honor the laborers of the country. It is a two-day long festival that marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. Carnival occurs right before Lent, so its peoples last opportunity to have some crazy fun before the somber religious season. Fashion Supplies For Pets what festival in ecuador is celebrated in june? The cultural programs change every year and are coordinated by the municipality and local artists. 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. Have you ever considered attending at local festivals and celebrations when traveling? New Years Eve is celebrated throughout the country from small towns to big cities. For this reason, Corpus Christi celebrations are often intertwined with the summer solstice, also known as Inti Raymi. Clad in wool chaps, communities, especially those around Otavalo, spend most of the festival dancing, drinking, and eating. The party involves traditional dances (San Juan) and drinks (Chicha de Jora). Characters include the cucuruchos, a word that means cone. These are men and women dressed in purple robes wearing pointy cones upon their heads. Thousands of people walk in this passionate demonstration of repentance. A largely theatrical display, Holy Week in Quito fervently demonstrates penitence and sorrow. 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. They dress in purple robes and don the veils in reverence for the woman who used her veil to wipe Jesus face. You can take a 2 day-trip to Otavalo during Inti Raymi season to take a deeper look at the festival. What is an important holiday in Ecuador? It is also known as Fiesta de la Virgen de la Caridad. Inti Raymi is also the feast of sun and light. The locals of the region asked the Virgin of Mercy, the patron of Cotopaxi, to spare Latacunga. Inti Raymi is a celebration and gratitude to the sun. I cant wait to read your next article. Da de la Raza is the perfect day to get a sense of Ecuadors patriotism and unity so try attending it if you can. Hemis Festival Hemis Festival is a two-day festival celebrated in a 300-year-old Hemis monastery near Leh. Spanish Foundation of Quito - December 6: On the 5 and 6 of December, the city of Quito celebrates its foundation. - Inti Raymi is one of the most traditional Ecuadorian Andes festivals. The most typical signs of Carnival in Quito include 1) children of all ages wielding cans of foam and not afraid to spray any unsuspecting passerby, 2) lively water fights, and 3) surprising flour bombs. If you are in Ecuador at the beginning of September, we recommend that you check it out for an unforgettable experience. Locals celebrate this festival honoring the Queen of the Amazon, and more than two million followers attend to pay homage to this deity. In the city of San Pedro de Cayambe, they celebrate San Pedro from June 21-29. The festivals origin is Inca. Cacera Del Zorro (foxhunt) - October 1st to the 8th: The city of Ibarra celebrates its foundation during the month of October.