Christmas In Ecuador

Part of an Ecuador Christmas Pageant

One of the highlights of Christmas in Ecuador is a pageant honoring the traveling Infant Jesus. On Christmas Eve, the all day pageant that is led by the guiding star and accompanied by angels, the Three Kings, shepherds, large floats and a huge number of children dressed in festive costumes. In addition to the pageants, there’s public gatherings of prayers and singing and religious poetry.

You won’t see many homes decorated with lights on the outside. Because of the big massive walls that separate most houses for protection, they wouldn’t be able to be seen, but another reason is excessive decorations is a sign of wealth and there is a humbleness to not decorating the outside of homes in Ecuador.

Families gather on Christmas Eve right at midnight to place the baby Jesus among the nativity scene. Then a big meal is served. It’s normally turkey and grapes and raising with rice and cheese and a fried flour dessert topped with honey.

The focus of presents is on the children. It’s not as common in Ecuador for adults to exchange gifts. Many families wait to place the presents for the children at the foot of the kids beds once they are fast asleep.

Merry Christ in Ecuador is said Feliz Navidad!

Join me each weeknight at 8:30pm through December 21st. We will  travel to a new country to see how they celebrate Christmas. Listen online at www.zradio.com

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