New Years Eve is a great time to visit Ecuador, as you can experience the unique Ecuadorian traditions of this holiday and then start your New Year off with a bang, traveling to places like the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos. Make your next purchase from Bookshop.org (our independent bookshop connection) using one of our links and help us earn a commission. Bordeaux Wine Festival or Bordeaux Fte le Vin, is an annual event that takes place in Bordeaux, France every summer from mid to late June. Kingdom. Although Semana Santa is celebrated across the country, religious parades in the capital city Quito, especially on Good Friday, are quite something in themselves. Because of this, they thought the locals how to ride horses so that they could guide them through the difficult terrains, and thus the Chagra Many Ecuadorians enjoy it with family as its creation and consumption is a social family activity. Thousands of locals and tourists gather as onlookers of a tradition that processes through the streets of Latacunga. Se. While popular culture associations take us to dancing, drinking, watching fireworks, and partying, Ecuador has its very own way of celebrating New Years Day. They dress in purple robes and don the veils in reverence for the woman who used her veil to wipe Jesus face. The celebration of Ecuadorian Mardi Gras celebrations finds its roots in Christianity as attendees remember, honour, and celebrate Jesus Christ. Health Insurance to visit Ecuador La procesion de Cristo del Consuelo or procession of Crist of Two dates are of utmost importance. The burning of el Ao Viejo (New Years Eve) on December 31st. 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. Paseo del Chagra - July 21: Chagra is the name given to the Andean Cowboys. The party involves traditional dances (San Juan) and drinks (Chicha de Jora). 6. Each year the dolls are better built and with more effort, so dont But, Inti Raymi is the biggest festival in the country in June. The idea is to express as much craziness as possible before the reflective period of Lent, called Cuaresma in Ecuador. If you want to participate in the countrys most significant indigenous festival, we recommend joining the festivities with a guide. Your email address will not be published. 6 Festivals in Ecuador - Gulliver Expeditions Posted by Jacqueline Granda | Jun 19, 2020 | Festivals, Culture, Ecuador, Ecuadorian Author, The Andes, The North | 2 |. Holy Innocents It is a religious celebration with a strictly religious beginning. hunters, which are other riders from the community. Families and delegations join in. It usually takes place six weeks prior to Easter Sunday and falls around any time between February to March. This wooden statue is a symbol of hope and faith for many who live in Quito. . Several Saints Days are celebrated in and around the time of Inti Raymi. Sat - Sun: Closed. Moreover, Cotacachi town is also nearby, which is great for shopping. the celebrations can take up to 5 days. On January 6th of The Paseo del Chagra takes place in the town of Machachi, in the Cotopaxi province, and consists of parades with horses, bulls, Andean music bands, dances and a When the town escaped the wrath of the volcano, an annual celebration was set in place in her honor, RELATED: TAKE A LOOK AT THESE ECUADOR CUSTOMIZABLE TRIPS AND TOURS, 7. 16 Jun June 16, 2022. what festival in ecuador is celebrated in june? However, remember that you may encounter some alcohol-fuelled excess if venturing out late at night. It is celebrated with rituals, street dancing and even bullfights. Locals celebrate this festival honoring the Queen of the Amazon, and more than two million followers attend to pay homage to this deity. trees, and in Quito, the city builds the nativity scene in the Panecillo, using the statute of the winged virgin. (+1) 315 636 0940. Quito Independence Day*. They symbolize the experiences and events of the past year. Saga Dawa. Ecuadorians typically celebrate with parades, public dances, and loud music. what festival in ecuador is celebrated in june? The lyrics reflect that past and present retain much in common. Ganga Dussehra Location : Varanasi, Haridwar, Allahabad, Rishikesh, and Garhmukteshwar Date : 9th June 2022 This festival is dedicated to River Ganges. Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Ecuador - Updated 2023, 7 Best Beach Resorts In Ecuador - Updated 2023, 12 Best Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Cuenca, Ecuador - Updated 2023, Puerto Lopez, Ecuador: Not Just The Gateway To Poor Man's Galapagos, Traditional Foods In Ecuador (You Have To Try! Requirements to enter Galapagos Regardless of whether the Feast Day falls on a Monday or a Saturday, people from all around gather for the celebration. looks of passersby. You dont have to be an Ecuadorian to burn the effigies. From this area, you are in close proximity to the volcanic lagoon/crater of Cuicocha. The Mama Negra represents the Mercedes Virgin, which is worshiped in the region and has two vases, one of milk and one of water, which the rider shares 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. 1. Duration: 15 days. Battle of Pichincha - May 24: This national holiday commemorates the victory of the liberation forces during a determinant battle of 1822, and that signified the independence from the Spanish The Inti Raymi is a traditional festival that is celebrated in countries across the Andes. Celebratory foods and drinking are always part of Ecuadorian holidays. ending year and is usual that the dolls represent a personality of the country (a president or another known personality). The word Yamor refers to a traditional beverage, which is brewed using seven varieties of corn and is unique to this area. In many cities throughout Ecuador, youll find parades and festivals. Submerging into a rich cultural tradition is probably one of the best ways to get to know the country and its people. One of the funniest customs is the tradition of the viudas or widows. Men dressed up as women, the viudas, danced in the streets, stopping cars and asking for money. Independence of Cuenca - November 3rd: Shortly after the declaration of independence if Guayaquil in October of 1820, the city of Cuenca, the third biggest and most important of Ecuador, also 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 . A deeply theatrical tradition, Holly Week in Ecuador gathers iconic characters in a procession recreating Christs journey to the cross. EVENTS IN JUNE June 14-23-Corpus Christi Festival-Cuenca: The Corpus Christi Festival is an annual celebration that draws thousands to the street of central Ecuador's cultural hub and the surrounding highland towns and villages. These characters walk along the procession with bare feet, and some with bare backs, which they hit with a whip made of ropes. 15 Best Music Festivals in South America to Add to Your Bucketlist Either falling in late May or early June, it's time for Corpus Christi. The traditional Ecuadorian fanesca (Lenten chowder) sells like hot-cakes during this time, so do give it a try. September. Glastonbury Music Festival, June 26 - 30. Carnival in Ecuador This festival is celebrated mainly in Catholic countries. As Ecuador's high-altitude capital, Carnival celebrations in Quito do not disappoint. Holy week begins with Palm Sunday Domingo de Ramos, and ends on Easter Sunday, Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. Guaguas de pan, which are dolls made of bread that are eaten together with Colada Morada, a warm and sweet brew made with different berries and only prepared in this holiday. the Andes by Alexander Vol Humboldt. Semana Santa, Inti Raymi, Carnival, you name it! Clad in wool chaps, communities, especially those around Otavalo, spend most of the festival dancing, drinking, and eating. The most famous and interesting event of these celebrations is an The Cotopaxi National Park has many other attractions as the Rumiahui volcano, the Limpiopungo Lagoon or the Pucar de Salitre, an old Incan military outpost. traditional ceremonies. RELATED: 5 TIPS FOR FEMALE SOLO TRAVELERS IN ECUADOR, 3. Dont forget to take caution though. Mama Negra is a unique multicultural experience that you wont forget. 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. what festival in ecuador is celebrated in june? Epiphanys Day - January 6th: Epiphanys Day is marked with Christmas carols, masses, music performances, traditional dances, processions, and even fireworks. She proudly shares travel experiences with adventurers who want to explore new places. Calendar with Festivities and traditions of Ecuador Top June Events and Festivals in the United States - TripSavvy Yamor is a traditional drink consisting of seven different types of corn. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); About Us Corpus Christi, all Ecuador Towards the end of May into mid June, the religious holiday of Corpus Christi is celebrated in communities throughout the Ecuadorian Sierra. surrounding communities gather this day to don very elaborated costumes with important indigenous elements and then dance in celebration in the towns central plaza. Its all for entertainment, and those that do the soaking often get soaked right back. 11. This is a music festival which also hosts dance competitions. The reason why is that it is a deeply catholic tradition. A vibrant festival celebrated twice a year in September and November, Mama Negra is Latacungas biggest event of the year. Carnival is a Catholic holiday that has blended with Andean traditions to become a huge festival. Which are the popular festivities of Ecuador? Despite a religious history, Festa Junina is celebrated mainly through . what festival in ecuador is celebrated in june? The carnival festival is celebrated with the mentioned games using water and traditional dances in Tungurahua. The last float to appear carries the Jess del Gran Poder statue, a 17th-century work of art depicting Jesus journey to the cross. 10 of the Best June Festivals Around the World in 2022 of indigenous and Christian traditions. So, if you are planning a visit to Ecuador anytime soon, heres our list of the best Ecuador Festivals and traditional customs. This Ecuador festivals origins remain unknown, but folklore connects it to indigenous uprisings across several centuries. They often walk barefoot and some carry heavy crosses, which are meant to be painful acts of penitence. Some families make their own, and they can be purchased as well. Moreover, many people will toast with a glass of chicha a traditional drink that has become part of the celebration's furniture. The festival is often celebrated by playing with and throwing water. many elaborate costumes and many other riders. This is planting time when the sun is moving away from the equator. December 24: Christmas. their faces, leaving two holes for the eyes for the person to see. Women who want to become pregnant jump over the fires. This time is also called Inti Guatana which means to harness the sun. 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". Dance and music as well as silence and contemplation are part of the ceremonies that take place in hills. what festival in ecuador is celebrated in june? The Inti Raymi celebrations take place during the months of June and July, however the major party id held on June 2st . Additional characters include the Veronicas, women with their faces covered in veils who walk alongside Jesus. At midnight all the dolls are burned, representing burning the bad from the previous year and looking forward to positive things to come within the New Year. what festival in ecuador is celebrated in june? 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. Semana Santa: Holy Week in Ecuador - Adore Ecuador Travel Fireworks light up the sky at midnight. The festival originated in 1742 following the eruption of the Cotopaxi volcano. Submerging into a rich cultural tradition is probably one of the best ways to get to know the country and its people. This being the harvest season. A man, who has to be born in Latacunga, is elected by the townspeople and dresses as a black woman (the black mother) and rides on horseback through the town, accompanied by a procession with and includes music, parades, dancing, costumes, and it will be difficult to miss locals throwing flour and water to visitors and passers-by. Locals don black pointed hats and wear goatskin chaps to elevate the overall traditional vibe. Simn Bolvar Day or "Natalicio de Simn Bolvar" in Spanish is a national holiday in Ecuador celebrated on July 24th. Independence of Guayaquil - October 9: In 1820, the city and province of Guayaquil declared its independence from the Spanish Crown. However, since this festival is enjoyed during a dry period with cool temperatures, it is an ideal time for harvesting corn, barley, wheat, and other delicacies that Pacha Mama bestows upon us. In the days leading up to the holiday, the streets are full of vendors selling dolls. Other holidays commemorate historical events, such as Columbus Day on October 12th, the Birthday of Simon Bolivar on July 24th, and . tradition as Andean cowboys was born. Kapak Raymi takes place on December 21. If you want to take part in this exquisite cultural experience, we recommend arriving early as massive crows line the demonstration route. During this week, it is also usual to see the Chivas, open busses that drive around the town with music and people on board dancing and drinking. 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. Call a Travel Specialist This date is celebrated with a military parade and other events, in the city of Quito. For this reason, Corpus Christi celebrations are often intertwined with the summer solstice, also known as Inti Raymi. In the city of San Pedro de Cayambe, they celebrate San Pedro from June 21-29. Ritual purification is also an important part of Inti Raymi. Festa Junina is celebrated in many ways, such as costumes, dance, food, and drink. It is celebrated by the Kichwa peoples of Ecuador. Enjoy the most important religious holiday in Ecuador with Gulliver Expeditions. devils to bulls also known as Toros de pueblo along with a unique atmosphere and captivating decor which provides a systematic illustration of traditions, rituals, and customs by those celebrating these Calendar with Festivities and traditions of Ecuador Toll free US & CA: +1 833 2632636 Blog Travel Information Inquire Cotopaxi: A perfectly shaped active volcano: Cotopaxi, with an altitude of 5897 meters (19347 ft) is one of the highest active volcanoes of the world. Summer Festivals and Events in Ecuador During June and July - Happy Gringo Photo credit: Chimu Advventures In Quito, a contest of highly detailed super-sized dolls is held on one of the capitals main streets, and they usually reflect the news and politics within the last year. The list is chronologically arranged (month to month) to make it easier for your travel planning. The Day of the East - February 12th: This day marks an anniversary of the countrys discovery of the Amazon River. There are several rituals with which the Inti Raymi is celebrated. It is also known as Fiesta de la Virgen de la Caridad. Your email address will not be published. Its largest celebrations are held in Otavalo, The Middle of the World and Cayambe. But even during times of the Covid-19 quarantines, the joy of living this celebration in a different way will not be extinguished. The geography of the landscape is perfect to practicing adventure sports like hiking, biking or climbing, but the most popular activity is the horseback ride Chagra Style (The cowboys of the Ecuador). March 04, and 05 is celebrated as Carnival in Ecuador. New Years Eve is celebrated throughout the country from small towns to big cities. Ecuador Independence Day (August 10th) Ecuadorians celebrate independence from Spain on August 10, 1809. It is held to celebrate the founding of the city in 1960 and it is done in full fervour by spirited flamenco performances, bullfighting, opera shows, theatre performances, exhibitions, games, and lots of other activities. The town of Cotacachi and nearby villages come alive with week-long festivities that include street parades, song recitations, dance performances, and whatnot. You can either purchase one from the market or even make one of your own and enjoy New Years celebrations in a wholly unique manner. Inti Raymi honors the Inca sun god Inti, the Inca's most important deity, and it takes place every year on June 24 - the winter solstice in Peru, and the Inca solar new year. Aya Uma is a relevant character throughout the festivities. An exuberant display of fireworks the night before the main festival signals the beginning of a day-long series of revelries. This is the winter solstice when the masculinity of the universe is celebrated. In Ecuador, Inti Raymi (or the Fiesta del Sol ), was declared a festival of Intangible Cultural Heritage on June 29, 2016. Imagine a very small but unique valley with more plants and bird species than Europe and North America put together; where trees compete in tallness for the sunlight and the forests are filled with butterflies. It is also known as Holy Friday, learn more Celebrations like Corpus Christ i, Saint Juan, Saint Pedro and Saint Paul, with religious and pagan characteristics, which occur in the month of June in almost all the indigenous populations of the mountains. Ecuador celebrates the 02nd of November as El Dia de los Difuntos or All souls day. This national holiday is very important for the Ecuadorian 8 Holiday Traditions to Embrace in Ecuador - Ecuatraveling Another tradition of this day is the Expect processions and feasting. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email. In Ecuador, there are no clear seasons like spring, fall, summer, and winter. When: Annually in mid to late June: 23 - 26 June, 2022. It takes place every on June 21 when the sun passes through the Tropic of Cancer. Inti Raymi is the ancient Inca celebration of the Sun that is celebrated from June 18 to 24, the day when the sun in Ecuador is at its highest point of the year. In many communities, the dancing goes well into the night. Otavalo is good to visit at the end of the month when it will be in the throes of one of Ecuador's best parties during Inti Raymi celebrations. But, Inti Raymi is the biggest festival in the country in. EVERYTHING I ATE at Dessert Festival in Manta, Ecuador! You can spend the night in some of the best places to stay in Ecuador, including hotels and vacation rentals. Each community attempts to La Toma de la Plazabecause everyone wants to be the first to march and dance around the city square. On this special occasion, the indigenous people practice a day-long ritual that takes us back to the time when the powerful Incan Empire ruled South America. Traditional Festival of the Inti Raymi. It blends the celebration of Koya Raymi (the ritual of the moon and the sun as elements of fertility) with Catholic traditions. It is important to note that Cayambe is the ancestral home of the Quichua people of the ancient, Wear A Mask With Ecuadors Beautiful Places. 37 kilometers. 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 . Traditional festivals | Turismo Cuenca Ecuador 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.) Starting in 1998, the festival was created to celebrate the culture and tradition of local winemakers in . Families jump over their burning dolls, symbolizing self-purification for the New Year. Unsubscribe in one click. By . Colorful, noisy markets populate the town square manned by the indigenous people of Ecuador just as it was long before the Spanish conquest. They have lots of characters from Fashion Supplies For Pets what festival in ecuador is celebrated in june? A great way to know a country, its customs, and its people is to celebrate in their festivities, full of rich culture and authenticity. There are no holidays in Ecuador today. Cities are decorated with the traditional lights and Christmas It is perhaps the biggest and most important indigenous celebration in Ecuador. If you are in Ecuador at the beginning of September, we recommend that you check it out for an unforgettable experience. When: All in March. process did not succeed, this independence declaration is considered as a very important historic event, as this first cry for independence was followed by other leaders and nations, and started the The procession, called the Jesus of Great Power procession, takes place on Holy Friday. Photo taken from : El Diario Where are the Best Places to Celebrate Inti Raymi in Ecuador? declared its independence from the Spanish Crown on the 3rd of November of 18290. Held in the city of Otavalo, the Yamor Festival sees a cultural conglomeration of people from the Imbabura region. August 10. Latacunga celebrates La Mama Negra or Black mother. 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.