Customs and traditions of Ecuador. National features of the culture of Ecuador Traditions of Ecuador

The modern culture of Ecuador was formed and developed under the influence of various historical events. And if Spanish culture had a great influence on architecture and literature, then such a trend is not observed in music. On the contrary, national Indian motifs prevail there.

The controversial culture of Ecuador

National culture of Ecuador It is reflected, first of all, in works of art and numerous crafts: the manufacture of multi-colored homespun ponchos and colorful carpets, stone and wooden figurines, sinister amulets in the form of a human head and ceramic products. culture of this country is so original and unique that it certainly deserves to be carefully passed down from generation to generation.

There are a large number of churches in the country, and the clergy enjoy great authority, therefore religion of ecuador plays a significant role in the life of an ordinary citizen. Ecuador is a Catholic country. The only exceptions are the small Indian tribes that have retained their adherence to tribal beliefs.

Modern economy of Ecuador based mainly on oil production. However, its reserves in the country are not large, so the state is forced to diversify the economy. Geography of Ecuador allows you to grow for export crops such as bananas, cocoa and coffee tree.

Science of Ecuador

There are at least 40 universities in the country. Science of Ecuador in its traditional sense, it is represented by research institutes and research centers based on the largest educational institutions.

Great influence on Ecuadorian art had a period of colonial dependence. The Spanish conquerors destroyed Indian temples and built Catholic ones, built new cities on the site of the old ones, so the architecture of Ecuadorian cities is very similar to European.

Incredibly diverse cuisine of Ecuador- a unique heritage of Indian ancestors. Main dishes: soups, seafood, tortillas and fried bananas.

Original customs and traditions of Ecuador are rooted in antiquity. Ecuadorians, like their ancestors, are very religious, and the main character traits are sedateness, slowness and poise.

Sports of Ecuador

Favorite is football. Football is played here by everyone from young to old and in any weather. And during the games of the national boron, state institutions are closed, and transport stops running.

The locals are one of those few peoples of South America who have inherited most of the features of their Indian ancestors. Despite the strong influence of European culture, the Ecuadorians have retained most of their rituals and traditions. And phenotypically, they are still closer to the Indian population of pre-Columbian America than most of their neighbors on the mainland. Accordingly, in all aspects of public life, in one form or another, features traditional for the Andean peoples are manifested. Most of the Indians of the Sierra are officially considered Catholics, but the echoes of the ancient religions of pre-Columbian America are very strong here. Animistic religions dominate among the peoples of the Oriente. And at the same time, Christian religious institutions have a very great influence on the social life of the country. Local clergy usually enjoy unquestioned authority among the population, and often act as mediators and magistrates in many contentious issues. Marriages without a church wedding are still unthinkable, although they are legal, and Sunday service is one of the main events in public life.

The Ecuadorians themselves are very calm and balanced, even somewhat slow. Even the Spanish influence could not eradicate the centuries-old habit of conserving energy in these highlanders, which is not at all a whim in the highlands. Even noisy and always bawling local markets cannot be compared in terms of sound pressure level with Brazilian ones, for example, or Venezuelan ones. The degree and slowness in business is considered a sign of good taste. Also, many travelers note in Ecuadorians pride and a special sense of self-worth with some kind of truly Christian humility to external circumstances. Ecuadorians themselves are not touchy at all. You can stop a quarrel or compensate for an alleged offense right there, on the spot, with minimal effort. But in this matter you should not go too far - the pride of local residents both for themselves and for their country, often quite sincere and serious. Even local fashion, which, as you know, is a fickle entity, is a matter of special pride for local residents.

The basis of local life is the family. This is the "cell of society", and the home and fortress of every Ecuadorian. Respect for elders is simply amazing - many old people live in the families of their children (usually with their youngest son or daughter) in care and kindness. Accordingly, in everyday life, respect for elders can be traced everywhere, from communication on the street to political life. A special aspect of local life is the system of compadrascos (godparents). This is a complex and sometimes extremely confusing system of mutual obligations (including financial ones) between godchildren and godchildren, which sometimes include almost all residents in small local settlements. Godparents provide support and advice throughout the godson's life. He, in turn, is almost a family member for them and is obliged to provide reciprocal attention and care. Often such relationships permeate even the local business and political system, and are very strong in people's daily lives. It is also the basis for the formation of social groups, which often form rather isolated societies.

Hospitality in local families is the same tradition as going to church. Visiting each other is a certain ritual and even an obligation. The guest is always a long-awaited member of the family feast, even if he did not arrive on time (although the Ecuadorians themselves are usually very punctual). The return gesture of the guest can be a small gift, and regardless of which family member it is intended for, it is met with joy. A woman in a local family has the same rights as a man, so reasonable courtesies to the mistress of the house will be seen as respect for the whole family.

In Ecuador, especially far from large cities, it is considered polite to say hello to every person you meet, even strangers, especially in some company or at a party. Photographing local residents without their consent is not recommended (inland Indians often agree to pose only for a certain fee). You can smoke almost everywhere, but the attitude towards alcoholic beverages is rather peculiar - you can buy them everywhere, and on the street you can often meet a tipsy local resident, but restraint in this aspect is a sign of good taste.

There are no strict rules regarding clothing, but people in "sporty" clothes are simply not allowed in most good restaurants, and even more so - at official events. Evening wear is rather informal, but conservative, and is based on local traditions. For a foreigner, compliance with local dress codes for such occasions is not at all necessary - it is enough to have long trousers or a dress, as well as a shirt or blouse in a classic style, for a business meeting it is recommended to choose clothes appropriate for the occasion.

The local population of Ecuador is distinguished by the fact that it is one of the few peoples of South America that has retained traditions and features inherited from Indian ancestors. Despite the forcibly imposed European culture, the inhabitants of Ecuador managed to preserve most of their traditions and rituals. However, outwardly they are more similar to the native Indians who lived in South America before the arrival of Columbus than their counterparts living in neighboring states. Therefore, it is quite understandable that the traditional features of the indigenous people are manifested in literally all aspects of public life. Despite the fact that most of the Indians of the Sierra are officially recognized as Catholics, the customs of the ancient religion are still very strong in this country.

Among the peoples of the Oriente, the dominance of animistic religions is manifested. However, it is the Christian religion that has a great influence on the social life of the country. As a rule, church ministers here enjoy a very high authority, so they are often involved as justices of the peace or mediators in case of disputes between residents. To this day, marriage without a church wedding is considered impossible, although a marriage registered in accordance with the laws of the country is recognized as valid. Sunday service is regarded as one of the main events of public life.

Ecuadorians are characterized by calmness, poise and some slowness. Even the influence of the Spaniards could not destroy the centuries-old habit of not spending a lot of energy, which is quite reasonable in high altitude conditions. If you get to the local market, it will seem to you not too noisy, compared to the markets in Brazil or Venezuela. The fact is that slowness in business and sedateness are understood here as the rules of good taste. Many tourists note in Ecuadorians a special sense of dignity and pride, along with an amazing humility in front of external circumstances.

You can not call Ecuadorians touchy. It does not take much effort to end a quarrel or receive forgiveness for an offense. However, here it is important to observe the measure and not overdo it, because the locals feel sincere pride in themselves and their country. They are even proud of local fashion trends in clothing, although a foreigner will never understand the essence of this fashion.

The Ecuadorian people are very hospitable. Visiting each other with visits is a kind of ritual. As a rule, a guest is always a welcome participant in a family feast, even if he is late or does not come at all on time. Usually a guest comes with a gift and it does not matter to which family member it is intended. Surprisingly, in a family a woman has equal rights with a man, so she also needs to be given signs of attention.

January 1 - New Year.
March - Holy Week.
May 1 - Labor Day.
May 24 - Day of the Battle of Pichincha.
May 26 is the feast of the Body of Christ.
July 24 - Simon Bolivar Day.
August 10 - Independence Day.
November 2 - Day of Remembrance of the Dead.
December 25 - Christmas.

As in any other Catholic country, in Ecuador, many holidays and festivals are oriented towards the liturgical calendar. At the same time, many holidays, having clearly absorbed traditional folk motifs, are celebrated very colorfully and spectacularly, combining canonical ceremonies and elements of traditional Indian rituals.

The main secular holiday of the country is the Independence Day of Ecuador, 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. various festivals, fairs and bullfights.

In January, the 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) on Peace, Amazon and Galapagos Day (February 12), the Fruit and Flower Festival (Ambato, mid-month) and National Unity Day (February 27). In late February - early March, a three-day folk Carnival (Water Carnival) takes place. In March, you should pay attention to the Peach Festival in Gualaseo, the Fruit Festival in Saraguro and the theatrical performance "The Way of the Cross to Calvary" in Atuntaki. Holy Week (Semana Santa, March-April) is celebrated with various events throughout the country. From April 19 to 21, Riobamba hosts the Folk Festival, and Ibarra hosts the Latin American Craft Fair (April 22-26) and Return Day, commemorating the devastating 1872 earthquake.

In May, there is a mystical festival in Cuenca and a Masquerade in Ona (May 2), a religious festival in Checa (May 3), an Amazon Fair in El Puyo (May 11-14) and a National Feast in honor of the Battle of Pichincha (May 24). In June, the ancient Inti Raymi ("Festival of the Sun", June 21) is held in Cochaskil and other places of worship of the ancient Indian peoples, the Festival of St. John the Baptist (June 24) in Otavalo, 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 Sangolokvi and the Gallo Compadre Rooster Festival in Calpi. The last Friday in June is a public holiday.

July is marked by the birthday celebrations of Simón Bolívar, the great festivities in honor of the founding of the canton of Santo Domingo (July 3-29), the Carmen Day procession and fireworks (July 16) in Ibarra, the Gaucho Chakra festival in Machachi (July 23), numerous events in honor of the founding of Guayaquil (July 23-25) and bullfighting on the Day of St. James the Apostle (July 29) in Pillaro.

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

On November 2, one of the most beloved local holidays begins - Spirits Day or All Souls' Day, when almost the entire country visits the graves of their ancestors. On November 3rd, Cuenca's independence day is celebrated, and on November 21st, a feast is held in El Kinch in honor of the Virgin of El Kinch, accompanied by a pilgrimage and various religious ceremonies. On December 6, the founding day of Quito is celebrated (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 often runs irregularly, and there are simply not enough places in hotels, so it is recommended to book places in advance and calculate movement around the country taking these moments into account. In late February and early March, many people go on vacation before the start of the school year. Therefore, during this period, many popular places in the coastal zone and in mountainous areas are overcrowded, all places in popular restaurants and most hotels are booked in advance, so this period is not recommended for visiting resort areas.

A distant and therefore mysterious country, so unlike Russia ... Latin American flavor determines most of the features of life in Ecuador. There are few Russian-speaking immigrants there, but they are, despite the difficult naturalization due to differences in mentality and appearance between Russians and Ecuadorians. For an immigrant who, from the temperate climate of central Russia, finds himself in the tropical heat of Ecuador, even the weather can be a shock. There is no snow in Ecuador at all, except for the mountains, and the Ecuadorians themselves, with their peculiar way of life, are descendants of local Indians and Spanish conquistadors.

Ecuador is a Catholic country, and the local population is very religious, like most residents of other Latin American states. However, despite this, the crime rate in Ecuador is very high, as in the region as a whole. Not as high as in, for example, Venezuela or neighboring Colombia, but much higher than in more prosperous Chile and Uruguay. This is also facilitated by the typically Latin American temperament characteristic of Ecuadorians - lazy, a little roguish, but at the same time explosive and quick-tempered. In addition, the mafia is strong in the country, really strong. However, the latter circumstance most likely will not have any effect on the life of an ordinary immigrant.

Outwardly, the inhabitants of Ecuador are also similar to other Latin Americans, and a person of European appearance will attract a lot of attention, sometimes not at all necessary. A light-skinned immigrant will most often be mistaken for an American, and the United States is not liked here, so if it comes to such questions, it’s better to say right away where you come from. Russia is treated with indifference here, unlike, and some only know about it that it is some kind of big country on the other side of the world. But if there is a need to ask someone with a question, it is better to do it in bad Spanish than in good English - they will be more willing to help.

In general, Ecuadorians are characterized by a kind of laziness and idleness. They do not like to rush anywhere, leaving life to put everything in its place, which gives some advantages to the enterprising and not afraid of work immigrant. The temperament of Ecuadorians is mostly open and friendly. They are very emotional, which can be expressed both positively and negatively. An Ecuadorian grateful to you for something is a model of cordiality, not hiding his joy, but an offended man will easily grab a knife.

Yes, perhaps one of the most striking features of life in Ecuador is the Ecuadorians themselves. They have a very developed sense of humor, they laugh a lot and willingly. But do not forget that Ecuadorians are a very proud people. Their emotionality is a double-edged sword, they are easily offended, but they also reconcile willingly, without concealing resentment. If you have an argument with someone, the best way is to smile broadly and shake hands. Most likely, any not too serious conflict will be settled on this. Ecuadorians greatly honor the customs and traditions of their country, and when dealing with them, one should not forget about this. There is no need to publicly discuss and even more so criticize the way they live. All national events, holidays, customs, traditions and historical facts are a matter of pride for Ecuadorians.

For the most part, Ecuadorians earn very little, but poverty does not oppress them, although vanity is not alien to them. It makes sense to move to Ecuador in order to open your own business, or if you have a steady income from outside. It makes little sense to look for a job here, given that about three hundred dollars is considered a normal salary here.