Customs and traditions of Ecuadorians. Ecuadorian families

- the smallest independent country South America, which got its name due to its unique geographical location. What is the country of Ecuador really like? Interesting Facts which will be presented below? Since ancient times, Indian tribes have lived on the territory of Ecuador, forming military alliances and states. But even the most powerful of them, the Inca state, could not resist the invasion of the Spaniards. In 1531, European colonization of the country began, which lasted about three hundred years. Nowadays Ecuador - developing country, which consistently ranks among the top five largest exporters of bananas, coffee and roses, successfully promotes beach and excursion tourism.

Unique and interesting facts about Ecuador

Customs and traditions

National cuisine

1. The Spanish period influenced the local culture much less than in other countries. The brightest part traditional cuisine Ecuador - a variety of soups, including the hearty potato soup "locro de papas" - one of the most delicious soups in the world.
2. Favorite meat dish- fried kuy made from guinea pig. In Ecuador, these animals have long been bred for food.
3. Only in Ecuador can you try the interesting fruit juice “naranilla”, with aromas of peach and citrus.
4. The most expensive chocolate in the world is made in Ecuador. One dark To"ak chocolate bar weighing only 45 grams costs 169 euros.

Attractions

The unique nature and rich historical heritage of Ecuador make this South American country one of the most attractive for fans of cultural tourism.

1. Ecuador's most popular tourist attraction is the Equator Monument in Mitad del Mundo. After you take a photo against the backdrop of the equator, local postal employees will put a special stamp on a postcard, envelope, or even passport about your visit to this significant place.
2. There are two Ecuadorian cities on the UNESCO World Heritage List - and. Perfectly preserved old cathedral El Sagrario and Calderon Square in Cuenca, Quito are witnesses of the former greatness of the Spaniards. The church in Quito is considered best example Baroque architecture in the New World.
3. One of the most dangerous railways in the world is located between the cities of Alausi and Sibambe and has a symbolic name. The train moves along narrow cornices located on different levels over a steep cliff. But the fear of heights, which some tourists fear, is certainly compensated by stunning mountain scenery.
4. The largest Indian market in South America is located in the town of Otavalo, north of.
5. Gorodok is home to the most unusual cemetery in the world, where green bushes have been skillfully transformed into amazing “living” topiary sculptures. The number of figures is more than three hundred.

Nature

1. Ecuador has the highest active volcano in the world. The last eruption (height 5897 m) was recorded in 1942. On the slopes Cotopaxi is one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world.
2. Top of the volcano

Ecuador: a story about the features of tourism and recreation. Helpful information about Ecuador for the traveler.

• Last minute tours Worldwide

Waorani

The Huaorani, also known as the Sabela, Aushiri, Auca and Wao, are a small tribe of Indians who still live in the Amazon jungle in eastern Ecuador. In turn, they are divided into several more groups, quite often at war with each other: Tonyampare, Tihueno, Quiuaro, Damuintaro, Sapino, Tiguino, Huamuno, Kehueruno, Garsacocha, Camperi, Mima, Karuve and Tagaeri.

Unfortunately, today this formidable tribe is in danger of extinction: the danger comes from oil companies actively conducting geological exploration and oil production in the jungle in the territories of their residence - between the Kuraray and Napo rivers.

The Waorani speak an isolated Wao-Terero (or Wao-Tededo) language and are semi-nomadic, possessing a wealth of knowledge in ethnobotany and ethnomedicine. Their skill in preparing the neurotoxic poison curare for hunting using long blowpipes is known. For the Huaorani, the jungle is not only a home, it is primarily a source of physical and cultural survival. They were accustomed to building their houses from trees, making weapons and ceremonial objects. For example, the thorny chonta palm is an excellent building material and raw material for spears, and balsa is often used for ritual purposes.

Hunting and fishing are the main way of survival in wild conditions, but strictly certain types of animals and game end up on the Waorani table. They never kill deer, jaguars, large birds of prey and snakes. Polygamy is common among the Indian tribes of Northwestern Amazonia. Despite the ring of civilization shrinking around them, the Indians retain their primitive warlike customs, periodically raiding their neighbors.

Tsachila

The Txachila, Spanish for "los Colorados", "the painted ones", are a small tribe found in western Ecuador in the provinces of Santo Domingo de Txachilas and Esmeraldas. The main external difference between their men is their unique hairstyle: shaved hair on the sides of the head and bright red strands on the top of the head.

In Ecuador, Tsachila shamans are considered one of the best healers and Ayurvedic practitioners. Their settlements are easily accessible from Quito and Guayaquil.

A Tsachila Indian plays a traditional instrument.

Headhunters

Tribes of headhunters - Shuar, Achuar and Shiviar - inhabit a picturesque area on the banks of the Pastaza, along the Cordillera de Cutucu - 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.

The Shuar, or headhunters, are the most numerous people of the eastern forests and foothills from Bobonasa and Pindoyacu in the north to Marañon in the south. Now their communities and settlements are concentrated in the jungle along the rivers flowing east of the Kutuku ridge. To the west of them live Mestizo and Quichua settlers.

Among the Ecuadorians themselves, it is common to divide the Shuar into Western (“Shuar of the borderlands”) and Eastern (“Shuar of the interior”), living east of Cutuku. The Muraniyya, or Muraya Shuar, are the “people of the highlands,” the “people of the Montagna,” who live in the valley of the Upano River, from its origins in the north to its confluence with the Paute and Yungansa rivers in the south. Fishing today is one of the traditional sources of food for these Indians. On the menu warlike peoples Spectacled bears, armadillos, jaguar, tapirs and other animals are often caught. Most likely, it was precisely thanks to its belligerence and bloodthirstiness, about which there are legends, that this tribe was able to maintain such a large composition.

Quichua Saraguro

The Quichua Saraguro are one of the groups of Indians inhabiting the mountainous regions of the equatorial Andes and the southern part of Ecuador in the province of Loja. The history of this tribe is shrouded in mysteries and secrets. It is still unknown where the name “saraguro” comes from. Either from the merger of two Quichua words: “sara” - corn and “kuri” - gold, or “sara” and “kuru” mean “caterpillar”, or “corn plant”. Disputes continue over the true origins of this tribe.

Quichua-Otavalo

The character of the Otavalo Indians is always characterized by extreme enterprise, smiling and wit. They are farmers, weavers, and merchants; they enjoy using the gifts of civilization, but at the same time do not forget the behests of their ancestors. Otavalos live in the city of Otavalo, which is famous throughout the country as the capital of ponchos.

Zion and Secoya

These related Indian tribes live in northeastern Ecuador in the Aguarico and Putumayo river basins. The population of Zion today is only 260 people, and Secoya - 380. The main occupation is manual farming, hunting, gathering and fishing, but in addition they are engaged in the cultivation of corn, sweet potatoes, chonta peach palm, bananas, pineapples, and peppers. In every family, the head is a shaman - “kuraka”. It is they who attract curious tourists who, upon reaching the Cuyabeno Bioreserve, are ready to observe the rituals of the Zion Indians.

A distant and therefore mysterious country, so different from Russia... The Latin American flavor determines most of the features of life in Ecuador. There are few Russian-speaking immigrants there, but they exist, despite the difficult naturalization due to differences in mentality and appearance between Russians and Ecuadorians. For the immigrant who is from a temperate climate middle zone Russia finds itself in the tropical heat of Ecuador, even the weather can come as a shock. There is no snow at all in Ecuador, not counting the mountains, and the Ecuadorians themselves, with their unique 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 countries. 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. The typical Latin American temperament characteristic of Ecuadorians also contributes to this - lazy, slightly roguish, but at the same time explosive and hot-tempered. In addition, the mafia is strong in the country, really strong. However, the latter circumstance most likely will not have any impact on the life of an ordinary immigrant.

In appearance, Ecuadorians 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 US is not liked here, so if it comes to such questions, it is better to immediately say where you came from. People here treat Russia with indifference, unlike Russia, and some people only know about it that it is some big country on the other side of the world. But if there is a need to contact 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 an enterprising immigrant who is not afraid of work. The majority of Ecuadorians are open and friendly. They are very emotional, which can be expressed both positively and negatively. An Ecuadorian who is grateful to you for something is a model of cordiality who does not hide 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 we should not forget that Ecuadorians are a very proud people. Their emotionality is a double-edged sword; they are easily offended, but they also make peace willingly, without harboring resentment. If you have a quarrel with someone, the best way will smile broadly and shake hands. Most likely, anyone is not too serious conflict this will be the end of it. Ecuadorians highly respect the customs and traditions of their country, and when communicating with them one should not forget about this. There is no need to publicly discuss, much less criticize, the way they live. All national events, holidays, customs, traditions and historical facts trends are a source of pride for Ecuadorians.

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

Culture of Ecuador

Ecuador is a country of a unique culture, which is a fusion of Indian, mainly Quechuan, elements, to some extent African (in Costa) and elements brought to the country by the Spaniards.

Ecuadorian Quechua- These are predominantly peasants. They live both in large villages and on farmsteads. In the central part of large villages, administrative offices, shops, and churches are usually located. Quechua dwellings are huts made of twigs and coated with clay. The huts usually have earthen floors, usually no windows, and light comes through the doorway. The furnishings of the home consist of bunks covered with skins, and in some dwellings this is not the case - they sit and sleep on mats. Food is prepared in small sheds built near the house, or on a fireplace in the house. Quechua food is monotonous, plant products predominate, meat is eaten only on holidays. Lack of proteins and vitamins negatively affects physical development Quechua and increases their susceptibility to various diseases.

The usual clothing of Quechua men is short trousers and ponchos, while women wear white shirts tucked into wide, long skirts. A mandatory accessory for women's toilets is a shawl. Both men and women wear hats of different styles, but always with brims. Most women decorate themselves with beads, bracelets, and earrings made from various inexpensive materials.

Quechuan folklore is very rich. Folk songs usually imbued with sadness and complaints about a hard life. Legends and folk tales are distinguished by their lyricism, they trace the bright features of history and give poetic images fairy-tale heroes. Quechuas are very musical; the most common instruments are the flute and the drum, which almost all men can play. Small orchestras consisting of three to five people can be found in almost every village. Music, dancing, theatrical performances - all this is an integral part national holidays.

Difficult situation The Quechua Indians and interest in their rich culture gave rise to a broad social movement called “Indianism.” Its participants oppose the semi-feudal exploitation of the Indians and for the development of their culture. The main centers of Indianism are the House of Ecuadorian Culture and the Ecuadorian Social and Ethnographic Institute.

Music and dancing are an integral part of folk holidays.

The culture of Ecuador has long been under strong influence cultures of Spain and France. But already by end of the 19th century V. The music is increasingly influenced by local folklore. One of the most famous composers of that time, S. L. Moreno, in his “Ecuadorian Suite” and other works, used folk motives. In 1904, the writer L. A. Martinez published the novel “To the Shore,” which was truly Ecuadorian realistic novel. At the same time, painters K. Pinto, K. Egas and others began to turn to national themes.

There are regional differences in the culture of Ecuador due to the development of the two parts of the country. For example, in the Sierra literary heroes Most often the speakers are Indian peasants, urban workers and employees - mestizos and Indians. The writers of the so-called Guayaquil group explore the life and psychology of the inhabitants of the coast - montuvios, as they call them in Ecuador rural residents Costa. In the formation of the Costa population big role played by the African element. Therefore, the inhabitants of the coast are more expansive and mobile than the natives of the Sierra.

Among the writers of the Sierra, the most famous are Jorge Icaza - his novel “Uasipungo” was translated into several languages, including Russian; Benjamin Carrion is a writer and literary critic. The Guayaquil group includes such writers as Joaquin Lara, Enrique, Alfredo Pareja Diescanseco, one of the most famous novelists in the country. A prominent poet of Ecuador is Jorge Carrera Andrade.

The development of Ecuadorian culture and art is greatly hindered low level education of the majority of the population. According to official data, almost a third of Ecuadorians (not counting children under the age of 15) are illiterate. There are a lot of semi-literate people in Ecuador, that is, people who have completed 1-2 grades primary school, although formally six years of training is compulsory. Their cultural level differs little from cultural level unable to read and write. There are not enough schools and teachers in Ecuador, many workers due to difficult financial situation unable to send children to school. In system higher education The humanitarian direction prevails. About half of the students study at the faculties of law, economics, philosophy, philology, and theology. And the share of future engineers, livestock specialists, and agronomists in the total number of students does not exceed a third. The problem of comprehensive improvement of public education is one of the most important for Ecuador.

Ecuador is a kind of mixture of Indian traditions and Spanish modernity, however, the situation differs dramatically depending on the area, in major cities- This modern life, somewhere in the mountains and provinces - this is the real Indian reality. Ecuador has preserved its customs and traditions of the past even better than all the other surrounding countries in South America. The strict Catholic religion made a great contribution to the culture; many local tribes are 100% Catholics, while the traditions of the pre-Columbian pagan era are not alien to them.

Sunday going to church with the whole family is an unshakable tradition in Ecuador, which is also supported in big cities, the church in Ecuador is perhaps the main public authority. According to Catholic tradition, Ecuadorians get married very early; by the age of 20, most young people are married; divorce in Ecuador is very rare.

The most important thing after God for Ecuadorians is family, here there is respect for elders, tradition godparents who become guiding star For young godchildren, advice from godparents must be followed exactly. After family, Ecuadorians value football, of course.

Ecuadorians are incredibly friendly people, kind and smiling; even in large cities it is customary to greet each other, including strangers, perhaps this tradition will someday be forgotten, and most likely this will happen when a person lives for a long time in a city with a population of many millions. By the way, Ecuadorians only have enough friendship for two years, just like that maximum term local politicians are in power, after which riots and military coups occur.

Foreign tourists in a Spanish country will always be gringos, that is, strangers, here we can note both positive and negative points. The positive thing is that gringos are treated with even more respect than their own people, this is natural, but on the other hand, gringos are more of an object from which you can make money; foreign tourists bring significant income to the local treasury, because Ecuador is considered one of the most favorable countries for visits by North Americans, in 2009 Ecuador was recognized the best country world for the life of retirees from the USA. Prices for services and goods for gringos are always several times higher than for their own people. Foreigners themselves come to Ecuador for short-term holidays, many fall in love with the local nature and culture so much that they want to return here and live forever. Ecuador is a haven for fans of downshifting.

In Ecuador, you can forget what you look like and what people think of you appearance those around them, Ecuadorians, do not pay any attention to their figure and appearance.

Ecuadorians are undoubtedly very simple people by nature, very few people who have graduated from universities have received a reliable idea of ​​​​the world that is outside their homeland, however, you should not think that a foreigner will be able to build profitable business in Ecuador, taking advantage of this innocence of the Ecuadorians, rather the opposite, including large army Russians who moved here in 2000 with investment plans I simply went bankrupt in the first year of life and doing business. This is due to the traditions of doing business and the concept of social behavior that are alien to us. Ecuadorians are Spaniards times 10, they are incredibly slow, you could say lazy, which is just a sign good manners. Ecuadorians are always above money and opportunities to get rich, this is noticeable in the service in restaurants, cafes, hotels; in order to achieve something from the service, you need to persistently remind them of this, otherwise innate modesty will triumph over service. If you were promised something in Ecuador, then you can remember the international saying that they wait three years for what is promised, not for nothing large companies run by Europeans or North Americans who are more organized.