The Ecuadorian carnival

The Ecuadorian carnival

The Carnival Festivals in Ecuador are celebrated throughout the country, with parades, floats full of flowers, fruits and beautiful women, games, banquets, dances and entertainment in general, with a lot of food and a lot of drink, in order to face the abstinence of Lent with the body well strengthened and prepared. Ambato and Guaranda, for their characteristic festivities, are the center of attention, however cities such as Riobamba (Chimborazo Carnival), Quito, Cuenca and its surroundings, Atuntaqui (Textile Fair), Azoguez (El Taita Carnival 2024), Puyo, Tena, Guayaquil, Salinas, Atacames, Manta, Bahía de Caráquez, among others, prepare special events for the next holiday from February 12 to February 13.

The celebration of Carnival has its origin in pagan festivals, such as those held in honor of Bacchus, the God of wine, the Roman Saturnalia and Lupercals or those held in honor of the Apis ox in Egypt.

Satin fabric, fantasy organza, polyester fabrics with glitter, embroidery or sequins are the fabrics that are traditionally used to make carnival costumes, since they are economical, resistant and durable fabrics with a variety of bright and vivid colors.

Traditional food during these festivities includes dishes such as sancocho, seca de gallina, hornado, quimbolitos, stews, seca de pollo. In our country each province or region celebrates Carnival under its own identity. "Beer, wine, sangria and fernet are typical drinks of the Corsicans, among comparsas and murgas."

Various activities can be organized, such as: a float parade. To celebrate carnival, it is common to organize, participate in or attend a parade of floats, a costume ball, a costume contest, an open-air concert, a cooking contest, an American-style event.