Ecuador Newspapers & News Sites

Ecuador is a country located in South America, bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The capital city of Ecuador is Quito, and its largest city is Guayaquil.

Ecuador has a population of approximately 17 million people and is known for its diverse culture and rich history, as well as its stunning natural beauty. The country is home to a number of unique ecosystems, including the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon rainforest, and the Andes mountain range.

Ecuador’s economy is primarily based on exports of petroleum, agricultural products, and tourism. The official language of Ecuador is Spanish, and the country’s currency is the US dollar.

Some notable landmarks in Ecuador include the Galapagos Islands, which are known for their diverse wildlife and natural beauty, the historic city of Quito, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Cotopaxi volcano, which is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.

Ecuador has several major festivals throughout the year, each with its own unique cultural significance and traditions. Some of the most popular festivals in Ecuador include:

Carnaval: Celebrated in February or March, Carnaval is a festive time of year when people enjoy parades, music, dance, and colorful costumes. The festival is celebrated throughout Ecuador, with the biggest celebrations taking place in cities like Ambato, Guaranda, and Cuenca.

Inti Raymi: Also known as the Festival of the Sun, Inti Raymi is an ancient Inca festival celebrated on June 21st, the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. The festival is a celebration of the sun and involves traditional dance performances and rituals honoring the Inca sun god, Inti. The festival is celebrated in several places throughout Ecuador, including the city of Otavalo.

Day of the Dead: Celebrated on November 2nd, the Day of the Dead is a traditional holiday when people honor their ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. Families gather in cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones, and they also prepare special foods and offerings to leave at the gravesites.

La Mama Negra: Celebrated in the town of Latacunga in November, La Mama Negra is a colorful festival that combines Catholic and indigenous traditions. The festival features a parade of costumed dancers, musicians, and actors, as well as a ritual reenactment of the appearance of the Virgin Mary to indigenous people.

Christmas and New Year: Christmas and New Year are important holidays in Ecuador, and they are celebrated with traditional foods, music, and customs. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, people set up nativity scenes and decorate their homes with lights and ornaments. On New Year’s Eve, it is traditional to burn effigies of old man or year, and to eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck in the coming year.