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Ecuador | ||||||||||||
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History & cultureHistoryEcuador was populated by a rich variety of groups and cultures, that became eclipsed by the Incas around 1450 AD. The first Spaniards landed in 1526 and in 1533 the Inca leader Atahualpa was captured and killed by Pizarro, bringing the Inca Empire to an end. The conquistador Francisco de Orellana set off to look for gold in the east and discovered the Amazon instead. The Spanish rule dominated for 280 years, bringing Christianity and a feudal system that left the Indians permanently in debt to their landlords. Huge rural estates were created owned by a few families. Opposition to Spanish rule grew among the elite. Eventually Antonio Sucre defeated the royalists in 1822. Ecuador become part of Colombia led by Simón Bolívar. Full constitutional independence was reached in 1830. There followed a history of internal disputes with many changes of regime from dictators, juntas and recently democracy. Despite this colourful past and border conflicts with Peru (now resolved) Ecuador is relatively peaceful. The government is modelled on the American system of Congress with Senators and a President elected every four years. Economic stability was reached through the “dollarization scheme” in the year 2000, when Ecuador abandoned its own currency to switch to the US dollar. CultureOver half the population are mestizos (mixed Amerindian and Spanish origin), a quarter are Amerindian, and Spanish-white 7%, black 3%. The Indians come from about 14 groups, the largest being the Andean Quichuas, who speak their own language and retain a culture that goes back to the Incas. They wear distinctive dress that varies from region to region. The Otavalo Indians are immediately recognised, the women by their blue skirts, embroidered blouses and gold beads, the men by their white trousers, grey blue ponchos and pigtails. [In Peru they are know as Quechuas] Quichuas have also colonised parts of the Amazon region, particularly the Napo river. Other Indigenous groups are found in the Amazon such as the Cofán, Secoya, Siona and Shuar (the original head-shrinkers). The Huaorani who only recently have emerged from stone-age hunter-gatherers to take on the might of oil companies who have entered their territory. Around Santo Domingo in the West are a tiny group of ‘Colorado’ Indians, who have built up a reputation of being shamen. Afro-Ecuadorians live mainly on the coast and north of the country. Around San Lorenzo you can hear marimba music. In the towns salsa and cumbia is all the rage. There is a big cultural difference between the coast and Sierra. With such a cultural mix there are many interesting handicrafts to be found: Ecuador is the true home of the ‘Panama’ straw hat. The Otavaleńos produce world famous weavings; they have adapted to modern taste but retain traditional elements. In the markets you can pick up woven bags, wood-carvings, bread figures, primitive paintings and silver jewellery. Fiestas & holidaysFiestas are an important part of Ecuadorian life and there are many local festivals throughout the country. Many originate from pre-Christian solar and agricultural cycles, but were incorporated into the Catholic calendar. During festivals there is much music, costumes, dancing and copious eating and drinking. Beware it is impolite to refuse a drink or invitation to dance! Carnival here is really a fun day of soaking each other with water, except in Ambato where a more genteel fruit and flower festival takes place. The other big festivals are Holy Week, Corpus Cristi, Day of the Dead, Christmas and New Year. Below is a list of the main Ecuadorian holidays: 1 January: New Year’s Day |
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