Christmas in Ecuador is more of a community celebration than a religious festival. Like other countries, Christmas in Ecuador also counts to be the most important holiday in Ecuador and ranked to be one of the favorite festivals and events in Ecuador. The Christmas festival reflects on the the tradition and culture of Ecuador.
The main Christmas icon of the festival in Ecuador is the infant Jesus. Ecuador is mainly a Catholic country, so preparation of the crib for baby Jesus is the main function of the people of Ecuador. They are occupied building the crib from the beginning of the Christmas month of December. Another important tradition is the prayers to the Holy infant Jesus, which start from 16th December. This tradition is a must in most of the Ecuadorian household and is observed religiously, during the eight days preceding the Nocha Buena, which takes place on 24th December. On the last day marking the main day of Christmas, a Christmas Dinner is served.
The crib is prepared in a very beautiful way. Holy infant Jesus rests on the crib with a veil covering it and the birth of Jesus is celebrated with much enthusiasm when the veil is taken off the crib on 24th December.
For the last 20 years, the members of the prayer group meet in one of the participant's house each day and the prayers are supported by small musical instruments and children singing Christmas Carols.
Another common tradition is children writing letters to infant Jesus. The letter is written at least one month before Christmas and the in these letters the kids explain to Jesus, how well they have behaved throughout the year and what are the Christmas gifts they wish to receive.
These traditions are deep rooted in the hearts of the Ecuadorians and they observe them scrupulously. Christmas marks family gatherings amidst fun and frolic. The families gather round the Christmas Dinner on 24th December. The main course of the Christmas meal in Ecuador comprises of Turkey or Pig and the desserts consists of pristinos, fried ring shaped pastries battered in cinnamon syrup.
At the midnight of 24th December, gifts are brought to children and adults by Santa Claus. An adult is usually put in charge of giving the gifts. When there are many children attending the celebration, one of the adults dress up like Santa Claus and comes with the gifts in his big sack.
Cypress is traditionally used as the Christmas Tree in Ecuador. Though artificial Christmas Trees are also very popular, some people still prefer to use the real trees as it fills the household with the sacred fragrance of Christmas. Another popular tree is the Poinsettia (Stella de Panama). The plant has both red and green flowers and it reminds of the Christmas color.
Christmas in Ecuador also has great commercial aspects, as it is the time when people throughout the country buy greeting cards and large scale of gift exchange takes place all over the country.
The next day is 25th December, which is a holiday, so most of the families indulge in day outs, grand feasts and spent gala time. In Ecuador, Christmas is also known as Nevidad, which is the Christmas in Spanish.
So, plan for your Ecuador Tour during the Christmas time and enjoy the charm of the festivities to the brim.
