by Laura Sot
Ecuador is a tiny country in Latin America. Contrary to its size the country has a large diversity in
nature and a rich culture. The last months I have not only lived in Ecuador, but I have also
experienced its culture and customs. Some of them revolve around religion and the indigenous
culture.
The celebration of the new year and the “Año Viejo”
Like in many other countries the Ecuadorians have few traditions for the 31st of December. One of
them being burning the old year, the “año viejo”. In this case the old year is embodied by a puppet
that is usually handmade by the families who are going to burn the puppet at midnight. The puppet
is supposed to represent the negative experiences and bad spirits from the ending year. By burning
the “Año Viejo” all these negative things are expected to be left behind in the new year.
Moreover, some people make the puppets look like politicians or celebrities who have made
headlines during the year. Most of them are getting burned because of their poor reputation.
Another tradition that goes back to the 20th century consists of the “Viudas” – the widows.
During the day of the 31st men dress up as women, act as dramatic as possible and ask for money in
the streets. The meaning behind this is that the old year leaves a widow in need of money behind.
Earlier the money was used to equip the “año viejo” puppets, nowadays it is spent on alcohol and
entertainment. As a foreigner it is definitely weird but funny to see so many men dressed in drag
walking around all day asking for money. Surprisingly many people will give the “viudas” some
money. So many that sometimes the men walk away with 50 to 200 dollars. In Ecuador the tradition
is seen in a humorous light and mostly taken lightly.
Carnaval
Carnival in Ecuador is celebrated before the Christian lent and therefore has a religious origin.
Unfortunately, this year it was called off in some cities due to security reasons, but we still got to
experience a bit of the Ecuadorian Carnival. It is celebrated with parades and by throwing around
water, eggs or flour. Nowadays, many people spray around with foam in cans. Also, the Ecuadorians
are dressing up and dancing to music in the streets.
It is a funny experience to be outside on Carnival in Ecuador, no matter in which city. Especially in
Guranda, Ambato, Banos or Quito you have to count on getting “attacked” with water or foam, even
more as a foreigner 🙂
Ecuadorian customs
- Asking for a “yapa” on the market: Because of its climate Ecuador has a great variety of
fruits and vegetables so many people are buying those on the local markets. After buying
something it is common to ask for a “yapa” meaning an “extra”. In which case the vendors
usually throw an additional fruit or vegetable to your purchase. - Encebollado against “Chuchaqui”: Every country has its own cure against a hangover, but
the Ecuadorians cure their “Chuchaqui” with the traditional dish that the Encebollado is. The
base of the famous fish stew/ soup is made of fresh tuna, onions, yuca, a bunch of spices
and of course cilantro. - Colada morada with guaguas de pan: Starting around mid-October you can see a lot of
places selling colada morada and guaguas de pan. Colada morada is a traditional thick and
sweet beverage made of black corn flour and different fruits like naranjilla, pineapple,
strawberries, and more. The Ecuadorians usually start drinking it before the “Día de los
Difuntos” so All Souls’ Day. The guagua de pan, translated from quichua and spanish
meaning child made of bread, is often served with the beverage.
This traditional beverage and bread have indigenous origins. Earlier, the people used to
excavate bodies on All Souls’ Day to spend time with them. But with the colonization and
over time the tradition got modernized. Today the Ecuadorians spend the holiday with
family and friends by drinking colada morada and eating guaguas de pan, which represent
the blood and body of the deceased. This is a way to commemorate their loved ones who
have passed away.
