Do you fancy learning some interesting facts about Ecuador?
To start, one interesting fact about Ecuador is that it’s one of 17 megadiverse countries in the world due to its unique biodiversity.
Ecuador’s ecosystem encompasses over 132 species of hummingbirds and roughly 4,000 species of orchids.
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Interesting Facts About Ecuador
Our cultural journey through Ecuador begins thousands of years ago with one of the oldest civilizations in recorded history, the Paleo-Indians.
The Paleo-Indians eventually gave way to the Inca empire that was subsequently conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century.
Throughout history, each indigenous group has developed its own unique culture which has blended with other indigenous cultures.
This mixing and blending of cultures have created diverse artistic, architectural, literary, and other forms of cultural expression.
Ecuador is home to the world’s first two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the Ecuadorian culture and landscape will leave you awe-struck.
This list features some unique cultural facts about Ecuador that will hopefully spark your curiosity.
If you ever wondered, is Ecuador safe to travel to or not, you may be surprised by all of what it has to offer.
Facts About Ecuadorian People
The Ecuadorian people observe unique customs and traditions:
One of the traditions observed in Ecuador is the Summer Solstice festival of Inti Raymi, which dates back to the Inca empire.
This event showcases indigenous people dressed in native clothing performing native dances, traditional music, and sharing food.
Interestingly, this celebration of Inti Raymi has been associated with the Catholic festivals of Saint John the Baptist.
Despite being banned by the Spanish in 1535, Inti Raymi’s resurgence into modern-day Ecuador has become quite popular.
Facts About Ecuadorian Families
Ecuadorian families practice traditional values native to their culture.
Ecuadorian people are considered very welcoming and hospitable. It’s not uncommon to find several generations of a family living under one roof.
Family customs often place emphasis on completing education before marriage.
Common-law relationships are typically in rural, coastal regions. A majority of Ecuadorians get married in their early to mid-’20s.
A majority of the traditions and family values observed in Ecuador are derived from Roman Catholicism, which encompasses 80% of the population.
Facts About Ecuadorian Music
Did you know that Ecuador’s musical origins are over 10,000 years old?
Ecuador can trace its musical roots back to the pre-Inca era. Much of these artistic expressions were centered around religious ceremonies and wars.
Most of the music composed during that time was performed using basic wind and percussion instruments, such as flutes and drums.
During the Spanish colonization during the 16th century stringed instruments were introduced to create new musical genres.
The musical expressions of Ecuador continue to evolve as cultures collide and blend with each other.
Pasillo is a form of Ecuadorian music famous throughout the region is considered to be Ecuador’s National musical style.
This musical genre developed during the 19th century and became closely associated with Ecuadorian nationalism and the war of independence.
During the 20th century, it became more popular with songs expressing the enchantment of the landscape, the bravery of its people and the beauty of Ecuadorian women.
The continuing popularity of Ecuadorian Pasillo is due in part to exceptional singers throughout the 20th century.
Literary Facts About Ecuador
Ecuador’s literature is unique compared to other Latin American countries and many of its authors are not well known outside of their native country.
Writer Juan Leon Mera is considered to be the father of Ecuadorian literature.
He wrote the 1st novel in Ecuador titled: Cumanda published in 1879 which chronicles the tale of an indigenous native and European who fell in love among the Amazonian jungles of Ecuador.
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One interesting theme I found about Ecuador’s literature is that it has a focus on social, political, cultural, and historical topics.
Ecuadorian literature gains International recognition
In late 2015, the Guadalajara International Book Fair showcased several literary works from various Ecuadorian authors, such as Gabriela Aleman, Sofia Acosta, and Oscar Vela.
One author from the early 20th century, Jorge Icaza Coronel published his novel Huasipungo in 1934 and has since gained international recognition.
It chronicles stories of exploitation among the indigenous people from the European settlers.
As new authors emerge, Ecuadorian literature is sure to leave an indelible mark on the International stage.
Facts about Ecuador’s artistic expressions
Facts About Ecuadorian Art
One prevalent form of artistic expression in Ecuador is graffiti.
Due to the political unrest that often occurs within Ecuador, many artists have expressed themselves and their views through graffiti.
Much of the graffiti found in Ecuador, specifically Quito, is often poetic, yet always thoughtful.
Artists express their opinions about their country, their city, the state of life in Ecuador, and often political in nature.
Although illegal Ecuador’s street art has become an integral aspect of their culture.
Ecuadorian art transcends graffiti and paintings.
Long before the Spanish colonization in the 16th century, the indigenous peoples of Ecuador created extravagant handcrafts.
A majority of the handicrafts created by the indigenous were baskets, ceramics, woodcarvings, sculptures, leatherwork, tapestries, and clothing, including the famous Panama Hats and more.
Today, many modern artists in Ecuador incorporate indigenous influences into their artwork, helping to preserve their heritage.
You can find a lot of indigenous artwork and handicrafts in markets throughout Ecuador.
Magnificent architectural facts about Ecuador
Facts About Ecuadorian Architecture
Ecuadorian architecture has been influenced by several different cultures throughout the past few centuries.
From the Incan ruins to colonial baroque style churches and government buildings.
Ecuador has no shortage of architectural marvels.
Ingapirca is considered one of Ecuador’s major archaeological sites located in the Southern Sierra region. It was built in the late 15th century.
The arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century brought baroque and other styles of architecture to Ecuador.
Throughout the country, Ecuador’s architecture transcends history to become a part of their cultural heritage.
European Baroque style churches dominate the Ecuadorian landscape in the 17th century.
One famous church with predominate baroque style architecture is the Church of the Society of Jesus, also known as la compania. It displays 4 different architectural styles and was completed in 1765.
Other styles incorporated are Neoclassical, Mudejar, and Churrigueresque. It’s one of the best-known churches in Quito and still hosts visitors today. Its main feature is its large central nave.
La Compania is an architectural masterpiece that reflects Ecuador’s various cultural influences.
Facts About Ecuador
Ecuador’s culture has undergone a significant and dramatic evolution over the past several hundred years.
Between the 16th and 19th century European, specifically Spanish influences began mixing with the indigenous cultures of Ecuador to create the multi-ethnical diversity we see today.
Ecuador claimed its Independence from Spain on May 24th, 1822. In 2008, Ecuador became one of the first countries to recognize nature as an entity with its own rights.
Learn more from these books about Ecuador to get even more insight into the country and it’s people.
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