I remember my Christmas in Ecuador as warm—not just because of the coastal heat, but because of the joy and togetherness that fills the air throughout December. Unlike the snowy scenes often associated with the holidays, in Guayaquil, Christmas means sun-soaked days, warm breezes, and the festive hum of a city coming to life.

December in Guayaquil is a month of celebration, family, and traditions that blend the old with the new. The streets are adorned with colorful lights, families gather to set up elaborate pesebres (Nativity scenes), and the scent of freshly baked panettone fills the air. For me, Christmas always began with the excitement of decorating the house, singing villancicos, and, of course, the countdown to our traditional Amigo Secreto gift exchange.

During the season, many Catholic families prepared for Novena, a cherished tradition leading up to Christmas. Each evening, families would gather around their pesebre, light candles, and sing carols, reflecting on the true meaning of the holiday. But Novena was about more than just prayers—it was about the shared moments, the laughter that filled the pauses between verses, and the profound sense of belonging to something greater, something deeply rooted in faith, tradition, and community.

Let me take you on a journey through the traditions that make Christmas in Ecuador so special. From Amigo Secreto to Novena, each tradition weaves together a story of joy, faith, and celebration that reflects the heart of the holiday season.

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The Spiritual Heart of Christmas: La Novena

Christmas in Ecuador begins with La Novena, a cherished tradition starting nine days before Christmas Eve. Families gather each evening to pray, sing carols, and reflect on the Nativity story. This is not just a religious exercise; it’s a powerful way to strengthen family bonds and nurture a sense of community. In many neighborhoods, homes are open to neighbors and friends, creating an atmosphere of warmth and unity.

Villancicos: The Soundtrack of the Season

The sound of villancicos (Christmas carols) fills the air throughout December. Songs like Noche de Paz and Mi Burrito Sabanero echo through streets, homes, and churches. In cities like Guayaquil, Quito, and Cuenca, you’ll find groups of children singing carols in public squares, often accompanied by traditional instruments like guitars and maracas. This musical tradition is particularly special to me, as I recall singing villancicos in hospitals and streets during my childhood in Guayaquil—memories that I now share with my own children.

El Pase del Niño: A Procession of Faith

One of the most iconic Christmas traditions in Ecuador is El Pase del Niño, a colorful religious procession celebrating the baby Jesus. Originating in Cuenca, this event has spread to other parts of the country, blending Indigenous, Afro-Ecuadorian, and Spanish influences. Families dress in traditional costumes, and participants carry statues of the Christ child through the streets, accompanied by dancers, musicians, and devout followers. It’s a spectacle of faith and culture, uniting people from all walks of life.

A Feast of Flavors: The Christmas Dinner

Ecuadorian Christmas dinner is a culinary feast that showcases the country’s diverse flavors. A typical menu includes roasted turkey or pork, humitas (steamed corn cakes), and ensalada rusa (potato salad). In coastal regions, you’ll often find seafood dishes like ceviche or arroz marinero.

• Arroz Navideño: A festive yellow rice dish mixed with slices of ham, almonds, raisins, and green olives, adding a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors.
• Relleno de Pavo: A stuffing made with a mix of meats, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and a splash of wine, adding a rich, aromatic touch to the meal.
• Ensalada Waldorf: A refreshing apple, celery, and walnut salad dressed in mayonnaise, offering a crisp and sweet contrast to the savory dishes.
• Ensalada Rusa: A hearty salad of potatoes, carrots, apples, celery, onions, and peas, dressed in mayonnaise, bringing a creamy and satisfying element to the meal.

No Nochebuena feast is complete without desserts and drinks that add a sweet note to the night.

• Ronpope: Similar to eggnog, this creamy, spiced drink is a festive favorite, perfect for toasting with family and friends.
• Tronco Navideño: A chocolate yule log cake, adding a rich and indulgent flavor to the dessert spread.
• Pan de Pascua: A traditional Christmas bread, similar to panettone, filled with dried fruits and nuts, offering a sweet and festive finish.
• Pristiños: Fried pastries drizzled with honey, bringing a delightful crunch and sweetness that everyone enjoys.

Midnight Mass and Family Gatherings

Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, culminates in Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass), where families gather in churches to celebrate the birth of Jesus. After mass, families return home to exchange gifts and share a late-night meal. Unlike other parts of the world, gifts are often secondary to the joy of being together, emphasizing the importance of family over materialism.

New Year’s Celebrations: A Fiery Farewell

While Christmas is centered on faith and family, Ecuador’s New Year celebrations are bold and fiery. The tradition of burning años viejos—effigies representing the old year—is a way to bid farewell to past challenges and welcome the new year with hope. These effigies, often depicting politicians or pop culture figures, are paraded through the streets before being set alight at midnight, symbolizing renewal and cleansing.

A Season of Heartfelt Connections

For Ecuadorians living abroad, Christmas is a time to reconnect with their roots. Many send gifts and canastas navideñas(Christmas baskets) to loved ones back home, bridging the distance with acts of love and generosity. Whether in Ecuador or abroad, the holiday season is a reminder of the values that unite us: faith, family, and community.

For me, Christmas in Ecuador is a beautiful blend of nostalgia and tradition. Every villancico sung, every pristiño enjoyed, and every prayer recited during La Novena brings me closer to my roots and helps me share these cherished customs with my children, ensuring they grow up with a deep appreciation for our culture and heritage.

¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo! May your holiday season be filled with joy, warmth, and the magic of Ecuadorian Christmas traditions.