CARNAVAL

Carnival, one of the country's most remarkable festivities, is celebrated in most Ecuadorian cities. If you are lucky enough to travel in February, you will be able to enjoy its colorful effervescence. It takes place during the four days preceding Lent. It's hard to find businesses open on these dates, as everyone is out in full force to participate in the festivities. On this occasion, the Ecuadorian beaches are crowded with jubilant revellers, as well as the cities where the festivities are concentrated, with water fights, flour throwing, espuma de carnaval (carnival foam)... And of course, traditional parades, folk music and crazy disguises.

It is believed that it was the Spanish colonists who brought this popular tradition to Latin America, where it has become mixed with local traditions. The Andeans associate these celebrations with the harvest cycle.

Thefirst place to see how a carnival is celebrated isGuaranda! It is the most exuberant city, known for its famous parade of truculent floats. A queen and a father are elected to preside over the festivities. In Ambato, during Carnival, flowers and fruits are in the spotlight. The floats compete with inventiveness and colors, to which are added bullfights, as in many cities, Catholic and Inca rites are mixed here. For example, in addition to Lent, the fertility of the earth is celebrated according to Inca customs. It is the occasion to throw water, flour, eggs and other edible products to each other, in the greatest childish joy. Think of the change of clothes!

On the coast, again, the party is in full swing. On the Malecón of Atacames, a drum festival is organized, El Marimbódromo. In Montañita, there are surfing competitions. In Manta, there are wet t-shirt contests...

Further north, in the province of Esmeraldas, the festivities are tinged with Afro-American culture exalted during the parades and during the Marimba festival (a xylophone that was probably brought to South America by African slaves).

Although Carnival is also celebrated in the country's major cities, such as Cuenca, Guayaquil or Quito (where recreational use of water has been restricted), these are not necessarily the best places to celebrate Carnival. Many city dwellers go to the coast to enjoy the climate and the entertainment.