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Ecuador » General Information »
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| Holidays & Festivities In Ecuador |
February
Carnival:
Origins and Traditions
Carnival is one more of the manifestations of the syncretism
involved in most Ecuadorian traditions and celebrations. The
word "carnival" comes from the Italian word "carn-aval"
which means absence of meat. This was because three days before
the beginning of Lent (according to the Catholic calendar),
people ate a lot of meat knowing that during the following
forty days of Lent, they would abstain from eating meat as
an act of penitence. So even though Carnival has a "religious"
origin, it is a time for pagan celebrations. Carnival is also
classified among the festivities of the spring equinox, which
is closely related to the indegenous cosmovision before Christianism
in America. In Quito, "diablillos" (little devils)
play with water. It is a somewhat crazy game, like snow fights,
which is long awaited especially by children and teenagers.
Throwing water balloons, sometimes even eggs and flour both
to friends and strangers passing by the street can be a lot
of fun but also can be a annoying. Although the government
as well as school authorities have prohibited this game, it
is still widely practiced throughout the country. Historians
tell of a Bishop back in 1867 who threatened with the punishment
of ex-communion for the sin of playing Carnival games.
In many parts of the country, with a month of anticipation
people started to prepare "cascarones", hollow balls
of candlewax to fill with water for Carnival. Water balloons
are the modern "cascarones".
Carnival is celebrated throughout the country in different
manners. Many popular festivals are held where the locals
wear disguises with many different masks, songs, dances and
music. In Ambato(province of Tungurahua) and Guaranda(province
of Bolivar), colorful, folkloric parades take place that are
worth going to.
Schools and Universities have days off for Carnival. Don't
be surprised if you are hit by a water balloon on Carnival
days, and don't feel offended. It is just a game! Ecuador
is a country full of surprises!
Text by: Cristina Vallejo D.
Article © by This is Ecuador Magazine
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