Ecuador Local Customs

 
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Phoning Home

by yu4ick

Communication on the Galapagos is very difficult. You can't use you cell phones and the boats have no phones--only ship to shore for emergencies. So when you go to one of the two inhabited islands you will need a phone card and then you need to find a working pay phone. Leave yourself some time to do this, as everyone else is trying to the same thing and there are not that many phones.Also, keep your conversation short and to the point as a courtesy to others waiting to call home also.

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A birthday cake in your face

by lenoreva

Ecuadorians have a fun little custom - on your birthday they like you to "morder el pastel" (bite the cake). This basically means they gang up on you and shove a cake into your face. Don't worry, you'll still be able to eat your cake too - they usually make two cakes, one for eating and the other for shoving!

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Did you know? Maps of Ecuador...

by lenoreva

Did you know? Maps of Ecuador other than those actually made in Ecuador were banned until 1998. This is because they looked very different. The Ecuadorian version of the Ecuadorian map was much larger and claimed the area disputed with Peru. In 1998, the presidents of both countries called a truce. 1 square mile of land was symbolically given to Ecuador in exchange for Ecuador's renouncement of all claims. Since then, the relations between these neighbors has improved dramatically.

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New Years "Anios viejos"

by lenoreva

If you are in Ecuador over New Years, you'll probably get a chance to see the local custom of burning effigies called "anios viejos". These are normally made with paper mache and usually depict unpopular politicians or old people. They burn them as if to say "out with the old, and in with the new" and it is thought to bring good luck.New Years 1993-1994, I was in Santa Rosa, on the coast and we toured the streets checking out all the effigies shortly before midnight. Then, it began to rain and we dashed inside. So we saw the effigies, but no burning.

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All Souls Day

by lenoreva

All Souls Day, on November 2nd, is an important day for Ecuadorians. It is also a good time to visit a cemetary, which I found to be quite different that what I am used to in the states. Many graves are actaully set in towers of concrete boxes. During my exchange year, I went with my host family to lay flowers on some anscestors graves in Riobamba. There were tons of people at the cemetary doing the same - very colorful and culturally interesting.

Carnival - "the feast of water"

by lenoreva

Carnival is celebrated over 3 days, usually in Feb or March, to welcome the onset of Ecuador's rainy season. This is a prime example of a festival with indigenous roots that has been transformed somewhat by catholic tradition. It has elements of Mardi Gras (parades, colorful clothing, dancing in the streets) mixed with something unique to Ecuadorian culture: the throwing of water! Pretty much wherever you are during this time, you are likely to get hit by water ballons. (Kids sure love them! ) But the highland city of Guaranda, south of Quito, is carnival central. This is the "new orleans" of Ecuador, where locals are especially exuberant, adding flour throwing into the watery mix.It's also traditional to drink lots of "chicha", an alcoholic beverage made from corn.If you don't want to get drenched during Carnival time, go to Ambato. Water ballons are outlawed - instead they have the...

Fiestas de Quito - Bullfighting

by lenoreva

If you are in Quito during the first week of December, you might want to check out a bullfight. December 6th, the anniversary of the founding of Quito, is a huge party - with dancing in the streets (esp. to the tradtional song "Chulla Quiteno") and parades. On each of the 8 days leading up to Dec. 6th, there is a morning bullfight and an evening bullfight in the main "Plaza de Toros". This is a very interesting experience. Outside you can buy wine or beer in plastic baggies (no cans or bottles allowed inside the arena) - which certainly makes for an interesting atmosphere.

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Culture and customs

by darthmilmo

Ecuador is full of culture and customs. The Andean culture is depicted in this pic outside a church. I'm not sure which town this is since I actually took the picture from a moving bus en route to Loja.

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Ecuador is a place where you...

by vela_candela

Ecuador is a place where you can learn from your mistakes, as well from another's.. So, better enjoy as long as it lasts!Panoramic view of Cuenca, which in this pic could be any city in the world :)

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you dont need to tipgreetings...

by clmellin

you dont need to tipgreetings are longer than here and nobody's in a rush to end the greetings and goodbyes-just chill out i guessif your dancing with someone and they aren't looking at you, forget it they are not interested in you. if they are well 'buena suerte'.but remember that its a different culture and people are looking for different stuff down there.

Local traditions and culture in Ecuador

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Local Customs: Cities in Ecuador
  1. Quito Local Customs
  2. Cuenca Local Customs
  3. Guayaquil Local Customs
  4. Montañita Local Customs
  5. Baños Local Customs
  6. Otavalo Local Customs
  7. Manta Local Customs
  8. Riobamba Local Customs
  9. Latacunga Local Customs
  10. Mindo Local Customs
  11. Laguna Quilotoa Local Customs
  12. Cayambe Local Customs
  13. Ambato Local Customs
  14. Cuyabeno Local Customs
  15. Isla Santa María Local Customs
  16. Guaranda Local Customs
  17. Tigua Local Customs
  18. Papallacta Local Customs

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  Hello I leave in Ecuador next month and i'm looking a spanish school, located in the Pacific Coast. I know there is a school in... 

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A: Hello Enrico You're right, Montanita is such a touristic place. I understand you want to avoid it. Last year, I have spent one month in a spanish school in Sua, near... 

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