Da de los Difuntos

Ecuador

In Ecuador, Da de los Difuntos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. This holiday is similar to Da de los Muertos in that it celebrates the memories of loved ones who have passed away. Like in other countries, this holiday involves spending time with family, visiting the remains of loved ones and sometimes leaving food offerings at grave sites and going to special holiday mass at church. Some customs that differentiate Da de los Difuntos from Da de los Muertos are: Food: In Ecuador, it is traditional to eat guaguas de pan, or bread babies, which are sweet or savory bread shaped into the form of a baby or child, often with faces and decoration drawn in food coloring. Another unique food is colada morada. It is a corn flour-based fruit drink made with berries to give it a blood-red color. Textures vary for colada morada, and it can be pureed like a beverage, or with chunks of fruit left in to be eaten while drinking the surrounding juice. It can be served warm or cold. Celebrations: In Ecuador, Da de los Difuntos does not involve face painting or costumes, as it can in Central and North America. Large, public celebrations for the holiday are not common. Da de los Difuntos is a holiday often celebrated in the home, quietly, with family. Its also not uncommon for people to travel to the gravesites of their family members, if not nearby.