How to be part of the Ecuadorian Carnival
Carnival is one of the biggest celebrations in Ecuador that creates a festive vibe full of color, games and fun. This festival has a Greco-Roman origin that celebrated the beginning of spring and the rebirth of nature, slowly it was integrated into Catholicism as a festival prior to Lent, which is 40 days of physical and spiritual preparation for Easter, that It is always celebrated on the Sunday following the first full Moon after the March equinox and that is why the carnival is celebrated on different dates each year.
In Ecuador we celebrate carnival because it is a tradition that arrived in these territories after the Spanish conquest. During this period, Catholic traditions were introduced in pre-Columbian cultures, causing syncretism, a mixture of imposed and local customs that have evolved to be what we can see today.
Carnival in Ecuador is a national holiday, so it is celebrated with four days off. It is common for people to travel to different places in the country where we can find colorful parades on the streets full of dances and comparsas, in some cities concerts of traditional music and fashionable artists are organized, some families plan their own gatherings to eat and enjoy together, but although we celebrate the carnival in different ways, what can never be missing in Ecuador are battles with water, foam, flour or whatever we find on hand to play with, creating an atmosphere of fun and relaxation.
If you visit Ecuador during the carnival you cannot miss the opportunity to get involved in the celebration, be part of the party and the local culture. You must be prepared and don´t take it too seriously if someone on the street throws a little flour or foam and you end up immersed in the game, because that is an invitation to share this unusual and ancient tradition, perfect to enjoy with friends and family.
