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Inti Raymi -- Otavalo, Cotacachi, Antonio Ante and Ibarra (June 22)
The "party of the sun and harvest" is one of the most purely ancestral, non-European events in Ecuador. When the June 22nd summer solstice arrives, the locals seek out select rivers, springs and cascades in pursuit of a physical and spiritual cleansing, which functions as a regenerative reunion with the forces of Mother Nature, and serving the expectations of fertile harvests. Special, grain-based foods are prepared, and a ritual dance, which centers around the figure of the Aya Uma, a two-faced, twelve-horned mountain god, is performed.
Easter Week -- Quito/Nacional
Easter Week is a significant celebration in all Latin American countries, and Ecuador is no exception, especially in the capital city. A series of ceremonies and rituals that begin on Palm Sunday culminate with the March of the Penitents on Good Friday, which starts at noon from the Church of San Francisco in Quito, in memory of the hour that Pontius Pilate sentenced Jesus to be crucified. Ominously hooded figures known as "cucuruchos" and "Veronicas" proceed through the historic downtown, and are accompanied by shirtless men bearing heavy crosses, each one representing Jesus. The procession continues until 3:00, the purported hour of Jesus' death.
Virgen del Cisne -- Loja (August 15 to September 8)
In 1594, a drought hit the area known as Cisne in the south of Ecuador. The Spanish authorities relocated the villagers, who took with them their own statue of the Virgin. In their new location, they were hit with a hurricane, so they returned to Cisne. Soon after, a rainstorm ended the drought and was regarded as a miracle on behalf of the Virgin. The occasion is now marked with a solemn ceremony in which the villagers take the statue of the Virgin on two-week trek to Loja. She is returned to Cisne in November.
Paseo de Chagra -- Machachi (July 23)
Ecuador's own rodeo is an adrenaline charged experience that allows tourists with horsemanship skills to participate in a roundup and herding of "Ganado Bravo," or "fighting cattle," from the 4000 meter high plateaus of Cotopaxi National Park down to the haciendas and ranches in the valleys below. Challenges include locating the bulls, and wearing down their resistance to be herded. Be prepared to bring along camping gear, especially for the very cold nights.
Fiesta del maíz -- Sangolqui (August 29 -- September 12)
The “festival of corn” is a two-week harvest celebratio. The event features a parade featuring beauty queens and volcano-themed floats, as well as "Chagras," which are Andean cowboys. There is also an abundance of musical acts, ranging from folkloric singers to municipal marching band. Tourists can take in everything from painting and ceramic competitions sponsored by Sangolqui's College of Architects to fireworks, bullfights, and cockfighting. There is no shortage of grain-rich food and drink to sample at this festival.
Corpus Christi -- Pujili (Second week of June)
This religious holiday, which literally means "body of Christ," but incorporates many aspects indigenous mythology, is celebrated throughout Ecuador. It is most colorfully celebrated in Pujili, with exotic, richly symbolic costumes, and the "Danzantes del Sol," or the sun dancers, whose choreography serves a ceremonial function of expressing gratitude towards the Sun and the Moon for arrival of another good harvest. Music, food, and drink are ubiquitous, and the festivities are complimented by the scenery, for the region offers many beautiful gardens.
