Ecuador: a story about the features of tourism and recreation. Useful information about Ecuador for the traveler.
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Waorani
The Waorani (Huaorani), also known as Sabela, Aushiri, Auca, and Wao, are a small Indian tribe that still lives in the Amazonian jungle in eastern Ecuador. In turn, they are divided into several more groups, quite often at war with each other: tonyampare, tihueno, kihuaro, damuintaro, sapino, tiguino, wamuno, keueruno, garsacocha, camperi, mima, karuve and tagaeri.
Unfortunately, today this formidable tribe is in danger of extinction: the danger is looming from the side of oil companies that are actively conducting exploration and oil production in the jungle in their territories - between the Kuraray and Napo rivers.
The Waorani speak the isolated Wao Terero (or Wao Tededo) language and lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle with a wealth of knowledge of ethnobotany and ethnomedicine. Known for their skill in preparing the neurotoxic poison curare for hunting with long blowpipes. The jungle for the Huaorani is not only a home, it is primarily a source of physical and cultural survival. They used to build their houses from trees, make weapons and ceremonial items. For example, the thorny chonta palm is an excellent building material and raw material for spears, while balsa is often used for ritual purposes.
Hunting and fishing is the main way to survive in the wild, but strictly certain types of animals and game fall on the Huaorani table. They never kill deer, jaguars, large birds of prey and snakes. In the Indian tribes of the Northwestern Amazon, polygamy is common. Despite the ring of civilization shrinking around them, the Indians retain their primitive warlike customs, periodically raiding their neighbors.
Tsachila
Tsachila, in Spanish "los colorados", "painted" - a small tribe living in the west of Ecuador in the provinces of Santo Domingo de Tsachilas and Esmeraldas. The main external difference between their men is a peculiar hairstyle: shaved hair on the sides of the head and bright red strands on the crown.
In Ecuador, tsachila shamans are considered one of the best healers and Ayurveda. Their settlements are easily accessible from Quito and Guayaquil.
Tsachila Indian playing a traditional instrument
Headhunters
The tribes of headhunters - Shuar, Achuar and Shiviar - inhabit a picturesque area on the banks of the Pastaza, along the Cordillera de Kutuku - on the one hand and at the very border with Peru, at the very mouth of the Huasaga, flowing along the Pastaza - on the other.
Shuar, or headhunters, are the most numerous people of the eastern forests and foothills from Bobonasa and Pindoyaku in the north to Maranyon in the south. Now their communities and settlements are concentrated in the selva along the rivers flowing east of the Kutuku Range. To the west of them live Mestizo and Quichua settlers.
Among the Ecuadorians themselves, the division of the Shuar into western (“Shuar of the borderlands”) and eastern (“Shuar of the interior lands”), living east of Kutuku, is accepted. Muraniyya, or muraya shuar, are the "people of the highlands", "people of the Montagna", who live in the valley of the Upano River, from its sources in the north to the confluence with the Pauté and Yungansa rivers in the south. Fishing today is one of the traditional sources of food for these Indians. The spectacled bear, armadillos, jaguar, tapir and other animals often fall into the menu of warlike peoples. Most likely, it was thanks to their militancy and bloodthirstiness, which is legendary, that this tribe was able to maintain such a large composition.
Quichua-zaraguro
Quichua-zaraguro - one of the groups of Indians inhabiting the mountainous regions of the equatorial Andes and in the southern part of Ecuador in the province of Loja. The history of this tribe is shrouded in riddles and secrets. It is still unknown where the name "saraguro" comes from. Either from the merger of two Quichua words: “sara” - corn and “smoke” - gold, or “sara” and “kuru” mean “caterpillar”, or “corn plant”. Disputes continue about the true origin of this tribe.
Quichua-otavalo
In the disposition of the Otavalo Indians, extreme enterprise, smiling and wit are always noted. They are farmers, weavers, and merchants, they enjoy the gifts of civilization, but at the same time they do not forget the precepts of their ancestors. Otavalo live in the city of Otavalo, which is famous throughout the country as the capital of ponchos.
Siona and Sekoya
These related Indian tribes live in the northeast of Ecuador in the basins of the Aguarico and Putumayo rivers. The number of Zion today is only 260 people, and Sekoya - 380. The main occupation is manual farming, hunting, gathering and fishing, but in addition they grow corn, sweet potato, peach palm chonta, bananas, pineapples, peppers. In every family, the head is a shaman - "kuraka". It is they who attract curious tourists who, having reached the Cuyabeno bioreserve, are ready to observe the rituals of the Zion Indians.
1st of January- New Year.February-March (dates subject to change)- Water Carnival (3 days)
March-April (dates subject to change)- Good Thursday (Easter) and Good Friday (Good Friday) and Holy Saturday (Holy Saturday).
May 24- Independence Day. Anniversary of the Battle of Pichincha. Batalladel Pichincha.
June (dates subject to change)- Feast of the Body of Christ. Corpus Christi.
The main carnival in Ecuador and the Galapogos Islands
The carnival is celebrated in February or March (the week before Lent) and ends on the Day of Repentance. Ecuador has a unique version of carnival that is unlike any similar festival in Latin America. Some Ecuadorians don't like it very much, but most children and teenagers love to participate in this carnival! They celebrate it in the following way: they throw balloons filled with water, bags filled with flour, douse each other with water weapons, throw eggs and other objects at each other. The main goal is to dirty everyone who participates in the carnival, and who is near the venue. A few weeks before the carnival, water weapons are sold all over Ecuador. The authorities of Ecuador are trying to ban this traditional custom, and in fact it was done in "Salinas" - on the best beach in Ecuador. Instead of "barbaric" actions, the mayor of the city followed the example of Ambato.
Most tourists and locals prefer to celebrate the carnival in Ambato. Colorful parades (Fiesta de las Flores y de las Frutas) are held here instead of pouring water on each other. The main theme of the carnival in Ambato is flowers and fruits.
Holy Week in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
"Semana Santa", Holy Week is celebrated before Easter and Palm Sunday. The celebration is held throughout the country. Religious processions are organized. A particularly bright religious holiday is held in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. A very important tradition that Ecuadorians observe during Holy Week is the preparation of the traditional "Fanesca" soup from salted fish with the addition of a variety of grains. During the whole time, Catholics do not eat meat, but serve this soup to the table.
Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ in Ecuador and the Galapagos
The holiday takes place on the Thursday after Trinity Day and is most popular in the highlands, in the regions of Chimborazo, Cotopaxi and Loja. The Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ is celebrated differently, according to the tradition of each city. There are also common points: costumed performances, music programs and performances by dance groups. In Cotopaxi, colorfully dressed dancers perform fiery dances throughout the streets. The brave participants of the festival climb a high pole, previously greased. Its height is 12 meters. There are valuable prizes at the top of the pillar.
Jean-Baptiste Day in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
According to the content, Jean-Baptiste Day (San Juan Batista) in Ecuador is similar to the Slavic holiday of Ivan Kupala. This festival takes place on June 24th in the Otavalo Valley and lasts for a whole week. This is a unique celebration! It has its roots in the distant past. At this time, the inhabitants of Ecuador conduct rituals to honor Pachamama (Mother Earth). Local men dress up in costumes and dance an ancient dance, moving from house to house until they reach the chapel of San Juan Batista in their dance. It is here that they arrange a battle - they throw stones at each other.
Saint Peter and Paul Day in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
Saint Peter and Paul's Day is celebrated on June 29th. In the evening of this day, large bonfires are lit, which burn all night. Women who want to get pregnant have to jump over fire. Men walk on coals in honor of Saints Peter and Paul. This festival is vividly held in the province of Imbabura, especially in the cities of Cayambe and Cotacachi, as well as in Chimborazo (Achupallas and Alausi).
All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
The most important dates in the local calendar are November 1st and 2nd. These days we celebrate All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.Ecuadorians have had a tradition since ancient times based on the belief that the soul of a deceased relative visits their native places during these days. And therefore, she must be offered a lot of food, so that in the future the soul does not forget those who are so attentive to her.
Ecuadorian families prepare for this visit by making special bread dolls, which they put certain meanings into, depending on its shape. The figure of a horse made of bread, for example, means transport.
The ritual also includes visiting the graves of deceased relatives, decorating them with favorite dishes and drinks. On the graves, Ecuadorians place black cloth and bread dolls along with other things that are related to the ritual.
After the arrival of the Soul in the house, everyone begins to celebrate this event. And the first thing the whole company does is drink a glass of Colada Morada (purple berry sweet drink). The ceremony then proceeds to the local cemetery. The ritual of honoring the dead is done within three years after the death of a loved one. After this period, the family ceases to celebrate All Souls' Day in this way. The celebration itself is a mixture of ethnic cultures and Catholic tradition.
Nowadays, most Ecuadorians celebrate All Souls' Day by simply visiting the graves of deceased relatives and decorating them with flowers.
Christmas in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
Christmas (Navidad) is celebrated in Ecuador like everywhere else in the world. But in Cuenca, the celebration of Christmas on December 24 is very original. Here it is called "PasedelNiño". Firstly, there is a big costumed parade, and secondly, children and their parents try to dress up in the costumes of those characters that are described in the Bible. Remarkable parade of children in colorful clothes. They move on foot, on horses, donkeys and wagons. Music sounds everywhere, dance groups perform at many venues.
New Year in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
Ecuador has a unique tradition of celebrating the New Year. It begins on the eve of the holiday with the farewell to the old year ("añosviejos"). Ecuadorians fill the larger-than-life figures with paper, sawdust, wood and fireworks. Symbols of the outgoing year are hung on them. So, for example, in one of the years the figure of Osama bin Laden was popular. But other local, international politicians and famous people are also often characters and symbols of the outgoing year. Children, women (or men dressed in women's dresses) play the roles of the "black widows" of the old year, crying and asking for some money for a funeral, going from door to door. Children on the streets are asking for candy.If the year that has passed has been a very bad year, most people and its "widows" kick the dolls and wipe their feet on them before the symbol of the old year is burned. This tradition is common throughout Ecuador.
But the most exciting action takes place in Salinas. It is there that tourists from many countries of the world and Ecuador come. Huge figures of the old year rush through the streets of the city. After that, they are burned with great noise in the courtyards of houses or in the square. Some men continue to celebrate the farewell to the old year even after they have celebrated the New Year. They put on the clothes of widows and go from house to house, collecting money for a loved one who left that night - the old year.
There are many more local celebrations throughout the country. Here are some of them:
July 16- Virgen del Carmen. Festival dedicated to the Virgin del Carmen. Her sanctuary is located in Sarum on the Plaza de la Independencia.September 23-24 Fiesta de la Mama Negra. Feast of the Black Mother, patroness of the province of Cotopaxi. The holiday takes place in the provincial capital of Latacunga. Religious processions take place, folk music sounds, folk dances are performed
Rules of conduct in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands
A gringo or a foreigner is always considered a guest of honor at holidays and simply on a tourist trip around the country and is glad to have him stay. But the traveler must also observe courtesy and respect for the traditional culture of the people, although some actions or dances may seem crazy or incomprehensible in nature. Ecuadorians are very sensitive, they try not to violate their traditions and zealously follow them all their lives.For example, never turn down an invitation to dance, drink, or eat. It's best not to visit places or families that celebrate a particular holiday unless you feel like dancing, eating or drinking, and most Ecuadorians enjoy drinking more than just soft drinks. Alcohol is present at all holidays in Ecuador. And how they love to dance! But if you find yourself in such a situation, try to be polite, refer to your health, try any dish you like, smile at overly hospitable people and calmly leave the house.
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.
Ecuador, which is located in South America, came under the influence of the European current of culture, but still many of the original national traditions and customs have been preserved and flourish. It is not easy to meet in such countries, where the values of other states have been pouring for decades, more modern customs, such fidelity to the primordial roots.
In Ecuador, they can really be proud of the fact that they have preserved ancient customs, as well as a culture known since the days of Indian heritage. All this is clearly expressed in family ties and social activities. Also, such aspects are reflected in politics.
The church in this state has a very high value. It has great power in the life of society as a whole and separately for each Ecuadorian. The Christian church is especially influential, it is she who inspires behavior in society more vividly.
It is interesting that it is the clergy who enjoy such great authority. They are able to solve the vital problems of the inhabitants and the political life of the country. Priests help in controversial situations.
A prerequisite for marriage is its consecration in the church. Of course, marriage will have legal force without this, but before God it will not be recognized. The church is quite skeptical about such unions. Spain made the strongest impact on Ecuador, with its culture and traditions, but nevertheless, the Ecuadorians did not accept its hot temper and irascibility.
In Ecuador, an absolutely balanced and calm nation, this is especially pronounced in the inhabitants of the mountain clusters, they believe that they do not need to waste themselves and their energy on anger, aggression, it is better to direct it in a peaceful direction, doing useful deeds. This life credo was absorbed with mother's milk and took root in them for a long time as a habit. Ecuadorians can even be considered slow, as they take up any business with feeling and sense.
The character of the inhabitants of this country can be described literally in two words - pride and slowness. Any unpleasant situations and disputes are resolved in a very short time. Rarely do more serious scandals occur. This can only happen if pride is hurt. As you remember, traditions and customs are very valuable for every inhabitant of this interesting country.
Life is accompanied by some problems and stresses, it is simply impossible to constantly accumulate emotions in yourself, you need to get rid of them to maintain even peace of mind. The emotional outburst of the inhabitants of Ecuador takes place in the markets. Nowhere else will you find such a noisy trading process. It is in the process of buying or selling that those character traits are manifested that were not previously detected and are held back in every possible way.
Such an element as the family is considered the meaning of life, which is the fundamental and most important process for creating a healthy society. The relations that take place within the cell of society are important for every inhabitant, without exception.
A tribute to the venerable age and parents has taken a dominant place in the public sphere of Ecuador. This attitude operates not only in individual families, but also in everyday life. Children sincerely, kindly treat their parents, and respect those around them.
It is quite normal in Ecuador for parents to live together with their children, especially the younger ones, it is even a certain life charter. Living separately, too, do not remain indifferent to their parents. In any family, relationships are built in such a way that each member should help each other. Older children take care not only of mom and dad, but also of their sisters and brothers.
Just like in Slavic countries, in European countries there are also godparents and godchildren. This is primarily due to deep Christian beliefs. The relationship between these family ties is sometimes very difficult to perceive, especially with regard to financial circumstances.
Godparents support their godchildren not only in difficult situations, but also throughout their lives (both morally and financially), participate in their development, relationships, and so on. Help, of course, is mutual, not one-sided. Relations between godparents can be traced in this country and in doing business and even in politics, these bonds are so strong and reliable.
Unlike the families of Asia, in the families of Ecuador, men and women are equal, and their position in society is identical to each other, the distribution of responsibilities occurs by agreement.
The spouse can take on the role of the keeper of the hearth, fully ensuring order and comfort, the spouse can become a financial support for the family. No one has the right to tell a woman what she should do and what absolutely not. She, like her husband, can work on the financial well-being of the family.
Ecuadorians drink alcohol on very rare occasions, it is practically an exception to the generally accepted rules. They drink alcoholic beverages, as a rule, during very important holidays for them. We can safely say that Ecuadorians are for a healthy mind in a healthy body.
In addition to restraint in drinking alcohol, local citizens also have restraint in clothing. In this country, simplicity and modesty are an indicator of good taste. Of course, in this colorful country there is no commitment to a certain type of clothing, but still the preferred style is classic.
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.
