Cultural Facts of Ecuador
Veronica Duran
Global Impact Opportunity
2 interesting facts about Ecuadorian culture
New Year´s Eve
The New Year´s Eve celebration is one of the most important traditions in Ecuador. Depending on the region is celebrated differently but it does hold one thing in common almost everywhere you go: the burning of the “Viejo”.
The “viejo” is a doll made out of old clothes filled with sawdust (the traditional ones) or nowadays, the ones made out of newspaper and glue (like pinhatas) are becoming more and mre popular because this allows the doll to have any shape desired. The “viejos” can be inspired by any character you may think of, the previous days you can see all different kinds of dolls or just the heads (caretas) being sold on the street as well as “homemade” explosives used to do the burning. You can find cartoon characters, politicians, famous movie characters, etc. The “Viejo” represents the bad things that happened throughout the past year that you wish to burn in order for the next year to be better. That´s why it´s not uncommon to see people kicking and hiting the doll before burning it. The burning should start exactly at 12am.
But at 1 am, along with burning the “viejo” there are a lot of other curious traditions and ”cabalas” Ecuadorians practice to celebrate New Year´s Eve. For example, a very popular one is to eat 12 grapes as it turns 1 o´clock. This is said to hrlp make your wishes and hopes come true.
Another one, is to put money (dollar bills) inside your shoe on that day, this ensures that money won´t be an issue the upcoming year.
With underwear there are several thing ecuadorians do to attract different things to their lifes. For example wear yellow underwear to attract happiness and prosperity, red is for love and if you wear it inside out to make sure you never lack clothing the year to come.
If what you want is to travel, taking a suitcase or any kind of luggage (the bigger the better is said) and take a walk or run around
Global Impact Opportunity
2 interesting facts about Ecuadorian culture
New Year´s Eve
The New Year´s Eve celebration is one of the most important traditions in Ecuador. Depending on the region is celebrated differently but it does hold one thing in common almost everywhere you go: the burning of the “Viejo”.
The “viejo” is a doll made out of old clothes filled with sawdust (the traditional ones) or nowadays, the ones made out of newspaper and glue (like pinhatas) are becoming more and mre popular because this allows the doll to have any shape desired. The “viejos” can be inspired by any character you may think of, the previous days you can see all different kinds of dolls or just the heads (caretas) being sold on the street as well as “homemade” explosives used to do the burning. You can find cartoon characters, politicians, famous movie characters, etc. The “Viejo” represents the bad things that happened throughout the past year that you wish to burn in order for the next year to be better. That´s why it´s not uncommon to see people kicking and hiting the doll before burning it. The burning should start exactly at 12am.
But at 1 am, along with burning the “viejo” there are a lot of other curious traditions and ”cabalas” Ecuadorians practice to celebrate New Year´s Eve. For example, a very popular one is to eat 12 grapes as it turns 1 o´clock. This is said to hrlp make your wishes and hopes come true.
Another one, is to put money (dollar bills) inside your shoe on that day, this ensures that money won´t be an issue the upcoming year.
With underwear there are several thing ecuadorians do to attract different things to their lifes. For example wear yellow underwear to attract happiness and prosperity, red is for love and if you wear it inside out to make sure you never lack clothing the year to come.
If what you want is to travel, taking a suitcase or any kind of luggage (the bigger the better is said) and take a walk or run around