• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Start Here
    • About
    • Work With Us
    • Privacy Policy
  • Bilingual Resources
    • Children’s Books
    • Music
    • Quotes
    • Movies
    • Printables
    • Apps, Games y Más
  • Bicultural Life
    • Parenting
    • Powerful Hispanic Mamas
    • Mamás Inmigrantes
  • Food
  • Travel
    • All About Ecuador
  • Causes
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Widget Area

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Hispanic Mama

Empowering through Heritage and Language

Subscribe

Día de los Difuntos

The Day Of The Deceased In Ecuador

the day of the deceased in Ecuador

the day of the deceased ecuador

RELATED POST: Flavors of the Day of the Dead in Ecuador

In Ecuador, the day where families remember their loves ones that are death is called “Día de los Difuntos” (Day of the Deceased) and it is commemorated every November 2. Although The Day of the Deceased traditions vary inside the country, their origins can be traced back from the Inca (the largest empire in Pre-Columbian era that occupied large portions of Western South America) which was influenced considerably by the Catholic faith.

The Inca believed that life continued after death and the place where the spirit of the dead would dwell depended of the level of obedience to the “ama suwa, ama llulla, ama quella” (Inca moral code of not stealing, lying and being lazy).

Because the Inca were convinced that death was only a passage, ceremonial burials played an important role to prepare the deceased with food and other essential items. Some areas in Ecuador, especially the places with a big population of indigenous communities, still follow the Inca ancestral tradition of bringing food to their loved ones and many other things while they gathered around the tombs and fill them with fresh flowers.

After the Spanish conquest and the introduction of Catholicism, this special commemoration can also include mass attendance, candlelight vigil and other Catholic related traditions.

Coincidentally, there are two other national holidays in Ecuador the day before and the day after the Day of the Deceased, making the three day holiday an opportunity for families to travel, gather, have fun, rest and enjoy the food that is only served for the Day of Deceased: colada morada (a thick drink made from purple corn, spices and fruits) and guaguas de pan (breads shaped into babies like figure).

Day of the Deceased in Ecuador is a mix of multicultural traditions, but more than anything, it’s a personal invitation to wonder about the meaning of death and to remember those that departed and haven’t been forgotten.

October 26, 2015 2:31 am Hispanic Mama Filed Under: Heritage

Primary Sidebar

Looking for Something?

          hello@empoderadigital.com

Browse Our Categories

Top Posts

  • 15 Traditional Nursery Rhymes in Spanish
    15 Traditional Nursery Rhymes in Spanish
  • 10 Songs in Spanish to Dedicate to Mothers
    10 Songs in Spanish to Dedicate to Mothers
  • 5 Most Popular Sports in Latin America
    5 Most Popular Sports in Latin America
  • Phrases That Latina Moms Say
    Phrases That Latina Moms Say
  • 9 Selena Quintanilla Inspiring Quotes
    9 Selena Quintanilla Inspiring Quotes
  • 7 Quotes About Being An Immigrant By Famous Latinos
    7 Quotes About Being An Immigrant By Famous Latinos
  • 12 Best Hispanic Novels Of All Time
    12 Best Hispanic Novels Of All Time
  • 7 Best Vicente Fernandez Songs
    7 Best Vicente Fernandez Songs
  • 5 Reasons Why Parents Need To Stop Using La Chancla As A Disciplinary Resource
    5 Reasons Why Parents Need To Stop Using La Chancla As A Disciplinary Resource
  • 5 Latino Dishes That Feature Our African Heritage
    5 Latino Dishes That Feature Our African Heritage

Footer

About

All About Ecuador

Favorite Bilingual Books

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

© Copyright 2016 · Pretty Lifestyle WordPress Theme by: PDCD

 

Loading Comments...