The traditions and customs of Ecuador

Customs and traditions in the World/Ecuador

Customs and traditions in the World/Ecuador Carolina L. EspĂ­n , Cristhian X. Valencia Technical University of Ambato Outcome #3

Customs and traditions in the World/Ecuador Ecuador’s distinct culture is as vibrant and beautiful as the hand woven tapestries of its local artisans. Stemming from its long and rich history, Ecuadorian culture includes a fair mix of indigenous practices along with European colonial influence. Almost everyone in Ecuador has a mixed-race background, which has resulted in tremendous cultural diversity as well as unique customs and traditions across the whole country. (Adventure-life, 2018) According to Dwyer, (2016) Ecuadorian culture has distinct roots in its rich and multi-ethnic history with both indigenous and colonial influences. Many indigenous customs are only practiced by indigenous communities, whereas other customs have been adopted throughout Ecuadorian culture.

Ecuadorians have a distinctive dress code that indicates the region that they come from. Their dress displays specific cultural diversities that are characteristic of that particular region.

Also cooking traditions vary greatly by region: coastal dining often include fish and beans while Andean cuisine favors meat, rice, and hominy. Visitors to Ecuador can expect to find exotic fruits, savory seafood such as tangy lemon-marinated shrimp, and a broad assortment of potatoes, among other distinctive flavors. (Castro, 2017) A variety of special dishes are prepared from fresh ingredients for ceremonial occasions by the woman of the house and her female maids. In the Sierra and parts of the Coast fanesca, a hearty soup that combines numerous beans, grains, and other vegetables cooked in fish broth, is served during Holy Week. Native people of Amazonia and the Sierra prepare chicha , a brew made from manioc and maize, respectively. This drink is served on all ceremonial occasions, but in Amazonia it also provides daily caloric intake. (Countries and their Cultures , 2014) HOLIDAY TRADITIONS TO EMBRACE IN ECUADOR According to Betsy, (2014) Ecuador is famous for its colorful festivals and every town in the country has their own traditional celebrations and events throughout the year.

Customs and traditions in the World/Ecuador Old Year and New Year December 31st – January 1st Ecuador celebrates New Year’s buy putting behind the bad things from the past. Dummy bodies are built, often with depictions of political figures, and dressed with old clothing to be burnt as a symbol of moving on to better things. In Quito, the Amazonas street is full of people celebrating. “Widows” of the year, who are actually men dressed as women in tight clothing and fake breasts line the street. When a car approaches, they pull a rope tight and demand centavos to pass. Around midnight, giant fires are started to burn the dummy’s and hugs of the New Year are shared with everybody.

Carnival- February or March Originally from the Italian word “carn-aval” meaning the absence of meat, this holiday is celebrated in Ecuador before Lent with parades, brightly colored clothing & masks, festivals and street wars with water balloons & water guns to take advantage of the 4-day weekend.

Easter – March or April Ecuadorians celebrate Easter and the with traditional religious church services and the famous Fanesca soup. Fanesca is a labor intensive, creamy soup that contains 12 different grains/vegetables to symbolize the disciples of bible stories. It is served with hard boiled eggs, salted cod, empanadas de viento and ripe plantains.

Day of the Dead- November 2nd Though modern day practices include simply taking flowers to graveyards to celebrate loved ones passed, the traditional belief says that the soul visits its relatives on these days. Food is prepared to further their journey into the afterlife. Breads of varying shapes are prepared to offer various significance (ie, a horse shape for transport) and set at adorned tombs for three years after a loved one has passed. The sweet purple drink, Colada Morada is also enjoyed on these days.

Customs and traditions in the World/Ecuador Christmas- December 25th Nativity scenes are displayed in each home and families visit during this time to view the displays. Children leave lists of what presents they want in old shoes for Papa Noel on Christmas Eve and find new shoes with presents from their list on Christmas morning.

Traditional maple cookies called PristiĂąos and enjoyed during this season.

CUSTOMS IN ECUADOR Allowing to Stiteler, (2014) mentions that Ecuador is a wonderful country because of its unique and incomparable customs that will be mentioned: Marriage and Family When a girl reaches age 15, a Catholic ceremony officially presents her to society. If the family can afford it, a party with food, drinks, and dancing follows the ceremony. Women usually marry by age 23, and as young as 14 in some rural areas, while men marry around age 25. Families often emphasize that young people should complete their education before marrying. Many urban couples do not live together before their church wedding, even if they have already been married by law. Common-law relationships, referred to as estilo manabita, are usual in rural, coastal areas, largely because people cannot afford the expense of a formal wedding. They are accepted as legal marriages, even though no ceremony has been performed. (Van, 2018) Elderly members of the family are respected, and several generations may live under the same roof. Many families lead a simple life in small homes or rented apartments. While traditional roles are followed in most families, urban families are changing as more women work outside the home and more men share household duties. Other traditions are changing as well. For example, children used to live with their parents until they got married, but now they often leave to get an education, to work, or simply to be independent. A young woman would traditionally go directly from her parents’ home to her husband’s, but more women are experiencing independence before marriage. Families are also getting smaller, particularly in urban areas.

Customs and traditions in the World/Ecuador Eating Serranos—people from the mountainous areas—generally favor maize and potatoes, while many Costeños—people from the coastal regions—favor rice, beans, and bananas. Fresh fruit is abundant, and fish is a staple item. Soup is almost always served at both the midday and evening meals. Hot bread is a popular afternoon snack. Some favorite dishes include arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), locro (a soup made with potatoes, cheese, meat, and avocados), llapingachos (cheese and potato cakes), ceviche (raw seafood marinated in lime and served with onions, tomatoes, and various spices), fritada (fried pork), and empanadas (pastries filled with meat or cheese).

Food and eating habits are an important part of Ecuadorian culture. Every holiday is associated with a special kind of food, and every town has a specialty dish. The main meal is usually in the middle of the day. Mealtimes are considered a good time for conversation— catching up, conducting business, or socializing. When inviting a guest to a restaurant, the host expects to pay for the meal. Young people, however, will often split a bill. (Julian, 2018) Socializing A handshake is usual when greeting someone. Close friends sometimes “kiss the air” with their lips lightly brushing or touching each other’s cheeks. Men often embrace if well acquainted. It is customary to address people by a title, such as Señor or Señora, when being introduced. First names are not generally used between those who are not well acquainted.

Among friends, the title Don or Doña, followed by the first name, indicates both respect and friendship. Common greetings include ¡Buenos días! (“Good day”) or ¿Cómo está? (“How are you?”). Friends commonly greet each other with ¡Hola! (“Hello”).

Holidays and Celebrations Ecuadorians celebrate the new year by burning effigies of the old year in the streets on New Year’s Eve (31 December). Carnaval takes place in February or March. Easter, Labor Day (1 May), and The Battle of Pichincha (24 May), which marks Ecuador’s liberation, are all national holidays. But the most important national holiday is Independence Day (10 August), commemorating the day in 1809 when efforts were first made to become independent from Spain. When a new president is elected, he takes the oath of office on 10 August.

Customs and traditions in the World/Ecuador The independence of Guayaquil is celebrated on 9 October. All Souls’ Day (2 November) is observed by visiting cemeteries; many people place bread-dough “dolls” on gravestones to honor the dead. The independence of Quito (6 December) is celebrated with large festivals, bullfights, and sporting events. Christmas (25 December) is an important holiday. Local festivals and fairs are held at various times throughout the year, and each city and province celebrates the anniversary of its own founding.

Meeting and Greeting 

The most common greeting is a handshake with direct eye contact and a smile.

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While shaking hands, use the appropriate greeting for the time of day: "buenos dias"(good morning), "buenas tardes" (good afternoon), or "buenas noches" (good evening).

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People that are close greet in a much more tactile manner; men embrace and pat each other on the shoulder (called an "abrazo"), and women kiss once on the right cheek.

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Always refer to people by the appropriate honorific title (Senor or Senora) and their surname.

Gift Giving Etiquette 

Ecuadorians give gifts for birthdays, Christmas or New Year, as well as religious events in a person’s life.

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A young girl’s 15th birthday is considered a special date and is much celebrated.

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If invited to an Ecuadorian home, bring flowers, good quality spirits, pastries, imported sweets for the hosts.

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A bouquet of roses is always well received.

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Gifts are generally opened when received.

Dining Etiquette 

Don’t discuss business at social events unless prompted to.

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Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.

Customs and traditions in the World/Ecuador 

The host says "buen provecho" ("enjoy" or "have a good meal") as an invitation to start eating.

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It is considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.

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Expect lively conversation during the meal.

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Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink.

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The host makes the first toast. The most common toast is "Salud!"

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If you do not want to drink more, leave your glass one-quarter full.

References: Adventure-life. (28 de Enero de 2018). History and Culture of Ecuador. España.

Betsy, M. (8 de Junio de 2014). Ecuatraveling. Obtenido de Ecuatraveling: https://www.ecuatraveling.com/8-holiday-traditions-to-embrace-in-ecuador/ Castro, C. (15 de Mayo de 2017). Don Quijote. Obtenido de Don Quijote: https://www.donquijote.org/ecuatorian-culture/ Countries and their Cultures . (22 de Marzo de 2014). Culture of Ecuador. Ecuador.

Helen, D. (16 de Octubre de 2016). Chimu Blog . Obtenido de Chimu Blog : https://www.chimuadventures.com/blog/2016/10/cultures-and-customs-ecuador/ Julian, A. (2018). Ecuadorian Gastronomy . Customs , 15-30 .

Stiteler, D. (2014). Award-Winning Culture Guides. Madrid: Commisceo Global Consultancy.

Van, Y. A. (2018). Customs of Ecuador. Encarta, 12-30.

Customs and traditions in the World/Ecuador

Customs and traditions in the World/Ecuador