Ecuadorian Culture
Ecuador’s distinct culture is as vibrant and beautiful. It includes a fair mix of indigenous practices
along with European colonial influence. Almost everyone in Ecuador has a mixed-race background,
which has resulted in tremendous cultural diversity as well as unique customs and traditions across
the whole country.
Language
Spanish is Ecuador’s official language, while Quechua and Shuar are the two major indigenous
languages. Quechua is the language of the Inca, which was the dominant culture in Ecuador when
the Spanish arrived. Quechua can still be heard throughout the Sierra regions — in fact, some
older people hardly know Spanish. Shuar comes from a group of indigenous people in the
Ecuadorian Amazon regions. Additionally, Chinese, Hindi, Portuguese and English can be also
spoken by a few people. English is learned in Public and private schools. That’s why phrases like.
Buenos días, ¿Cómo están?
Good morning , how are you doing?
Alli puncha, Imanallatak kanki? are used in the country.
Ethnic diversity
Ecuador’s indigenous population comprises many groups. If you travel to the Ecuadorian Amazon,
you may meet indigenous people. But not all of the indigenous people live in the jungle. Otavaleños
live in the Andes and in the Imbabura province.
There are higher concentrations of Afro-Ecuadorians on the coast, which is mainly due to the slave
trade conducted by the Spanish in the past. Also small Chinese communities have developed in the
cities of Guayaquil and Quevedo.
Food & Cuisine of Ecuador
With three different regions in the mainland – coast, highlands, and rainforest – the typical cuisine
varies depending on where you are. Ecuadorian food consists mainly of soup and stews, corn
pancakes, rice, eggs, and vegetables. In the highlands, cuy (guinea pig) is a popular dish.
The coastal region is renowned for its seafood, especially the ceviche (typically shrimp or other
shellfish prepared in lime juice with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro and served with popcorn or fried
plantain chips). Another popular dish is encebollado, a fish soup that has gained a reputation as a
national dish. Other dishes include chicken, beef, and pork.
Religion
The predominant religion is Roman Catholic, but there is a scattering of other like Adventists,
Mormons, and Evangelicals, and also an extremely small, but present Jewish population. Indigenous
Ecuadorians, however, have blended Catholicism and their traditional beliefs. An example is the
near synonymous association of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) and the Virgin Mary.
Art, Architecture, and Music
Despite its small size, Ecuador is a major cultural center for arts in South America. Ecuador is the
birthplace of famous painters like Oswaldo Guayasamin, Camilo Egas, and Manuel Rendon, as well
as great writers like Juan Montalvo, Juan Leon Mera, and Juan Benigno Vela (all three from the
highland city of Ambato). Ecuador is also famous for its talented artisans. The city of Otavalo, north
of Quito, has one of the largest indigenous markets in South America.
When traveling through Ecuador, especially in Quito and Cuenca, the architecture alone is enough
to make you marvel.
Musical instruments in Ecuador include the drums, guitars, flutes, and other small string
instruments, like the charango.
Festivals, Holidays & Traditions
• New Year’s Eve, a fun tradition is setting off fireworks and the burning of the “Monigote”.
• Carnival is pretty fun where people “play Carnaval,” chasing each other with water balloons,
powdered paint, and spray foam.
• In the Holy Week, you might see a Via Crucis, or the “Way of the Cross” in which the community
reenacts the sentencing and crucifixion of Jesus.
• The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a chance for families to visit the cemetery to light
candles or lay flowers on the grave of their loved ones.
• Independence Day where Ecuador celebrates its definitive independence from Spain on May 24
