The Day of the Dead in Ecuador is a national holiday celebrated every year on November 2nd. Originally, it began as an indigenous tradition to connect families with their deceased ancestors. They believe that during that day, the dead souls return to visit their loved ones. This tradition was adopted by the Catholic Church in an attempt to bring indigenous people to salvation. The Day of the Dead is also known as All Souls’ Day or Day of the Deceased, in Spanish is translated as "Día de Los Difuntos".
Visiting the cemetery
In Ecuador, the Day of the Dead is celebrated more intensively in the Ecuadorian Andean highlands than in other regions. In general, on November 2th, people bring flowers and food to the cemeteries. They visit their loved one's graves to clean and decorate them with candles and flower arrangements made with roses and alstroemeria – known as lily of the Incas. Small children play amongst the graves. This brings an opportunity for parents to explain to children about the circle of living and dead.
Traditional food
About traditional food, two items are common: a drink called "colada morada" and a bread called "guaguas de pan". Both colada morada and guaguas de pan can be made at home. Colada morada is a thick, sweet purple corn drink cooked with mashed berries and spices. The final drink is almost dessert-like. Guaguas de pan are sweetbreads shaped like babies. In Kichwa, "guagua" means baby. Originally guaguas de pan represented adult mummies, not babies. It is common to find restaurants and street vendors near cemeteries selling these delicious snacks as well as roasted pork (hornado).
Traveling
The celebration of the Day of the Dead falls a day before the Independence of Cuenca. Both days are national holidays. Ecuadorians usually enjoy a nice vacation and travel on these days.
