Festivals and Traditions of the Andes

Fiesta de la Jora

This is celebrated the second week of September and is an event based on the worship of the solar equinox.
 
Semana Santa - Holy Week (Easter)

This Christian religious festival where the indigenous actively participate in parades is held Wednesday, Thursday and the night of Good Friday. The most important procession is held on Good Friday at midday. Beyond the religious celebration, here holy week has the particular feature of organized bartering for the different grains and products necessary to produce the traditional dish, fanesca.
 
Finados – Day of the Dead
Every 2nd day of November, the country pays respect to its dead. Cotacachi has the tradition of children playing with tops in conjunction with this observance.
 
Inti Raymi Festival
This is celebrated in June and coincides with the summer solstice. It is an expression of the sun cult in which all the indigenous communities participate.
 
Fiesta del Yamor
This is celebrated the first week of September and draws visitors from around the country and the world who enjoy the many different activities and traditional cuisine along with the traditional drink Chicha de Yamor.
 
New Year’s Eve 
To say goodbye to the dying year the people of the area have the tradition of creating a joking last will and testament and burning a bonfire of dolls who represent prominent figures or even friends and different anecdotes from the year. The reading of this testament is done in public and kicks off the party where everyone participates.