ESTUDIANTE 1: Ecuadorian Festivals, Holidays & Traditions HI MY NAME IS PABLO I’M GOING TO

TALK ABOUT FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS IN ECUADOR

New Year’s Eve: Just a week after Christmas, this is another big holiday in Ecuador, complete with a
turkey or ham dinner, a toast to the old year with wine or sangria, and the eating of 12 grapes for
luck in each coming month of the new year. At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, a fun
tradition is setting off fireworks and the burning of the “Monigote” papier-mache figures that can
range from one meter to an impressive 5 meters.

Carnaval, Lent, and Easter: Although Ecuador certainly doesn’t rival Brazil’s Carnaval (Mardi Gras)
celebration, Ecuador’s traditions are pretty fun. In the two days before Ash Wednesday and the start
of the Lenten season, there is a national holiday during which it is common that people “play
Carnaval,” meaning chasing each other with water balloons, powdered paint, and spray foam. Once
Lent has started, a somber mood of reflection and penitence can be felt throughout Ecuador in
preparation for Good Friday. If you are lucky enough to be in Ecuador for Holy Week, you might see
a Via Crucis, or the “Way of the Cross.” This is a live version of the Stations of the Cross in which the
community reenacts the sentencing and crucifixion of Jesus, often with very realistic displays.

ESTUDIANTE 2: IDIOMA HI MY NAME IS CHRISTIAN I’M GOING TO TALK ABOUT IDIOM IN

ECUADOR

Spanish is the main language throughout Ecuador, although most highland Indians are bilingual, with
Quechua being their preferred language, while Spanish is only learned in school. When bargaining in
rural markets, a Quechua word or two will not only endear you to the vendors, but usually get you
an extra orange or more juice! Several small lowland groups speak their own languages. English is
understood in the best hotels and in airline offices and travel agencies, but it's of little use
elsewhere.

ESTUDIANTE 3: Art, Arquitectura y musica HI MY NAME IS WAGNER RAMIREZI’M GOING TO TALK

ABOUT ARCHITECTURE, AND MUSIC IN ECUADOR

Despite its small size, Ecuador is a major cultural center for arts in South America. Most consider
Quito to be the cultural capital as well as the political capital, and a visit to the well-appointed art
museum shows why. Ecuador is the birthplace of famous painters like Oswaldo Guayasamin, Camilo
Egas, and Manuel Rendon, as well as great writers like Juan Montalvo, Juan Leon Mera, and Juan
Benigno Vela (all three from the highland city of Ambato).

Ecuador is also famous for its talented artisans. The city of Otavalo, north of Quito, has one of the
largest indigenous markets in South America, where travelers can find beautifully woven clothes,
tapestries, leatherwork, intricately carved wood, and gorgeous jewelry.

ESTUDIANTE 4: Actividades de osio HI MY NAME IS PEDRO I’M GOING TO TALK ABOUT SOME
ACTIVITIES IN ECUADOR

Two of the most popular activities in Ecuador are soccer and dancing. The whole country rallies
behind the “Tricolor” or “La Seleccion” (Ecuador’s national team), and there is a fierce rivalry
between the major soccer clubs of Emelec, Barcelona, and La Liga de Quito. When people aren’t
watching soccer, many enjoy playing soccer wherever they are able, whether on a grass field, a
concrete court, or even just in the street with friends. Volleyball and tennis are other popular sports
in Ecuador.
To relax, there’s a buzzing weekend culture of discotecas, or nightclubs, that pump up the music for
a night full of salsa, bachata, merengue, and other styles of dance.

ESTUDIANTE 5: COMIDA HI MY NAME IS VERONICA I’M GOING TO TALK ABOUT FOOD IN

ECUADOR

With three different regions in the mainland – coast, highlands, and rainforest – the typical cuisine
varies depending on where you are. Ecuadorian food consists mainly of soup and stews, corn
pancakes, rice, eggs, and vegetables. Seafood is excellent, even in the highlands. Local specialties
include ceviche, seafood prepared in lemon juice; lechón, suckling pig; and cuy, whole roasted
guinea pig-however, some delicacies may only be for the most adventurous stomachs!

No matter where you go, rice is a staple part of the diet, and soups and stews are very popular.
Tubers, like potatoes and yuca, are also an essential part of the Ecuadorian gastronomy, and
plantains also generally accompany most plates.

In the highlands, trout and cuy (guinea pig) are popular delicacies. The coastal region is renowned
for its delectable seafood, especially the ceviche (typically shrimp or other shellfish prepared in lime
juice with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro and served with popcorn or fried plantain chips). Another
popular plate is encebollado, a fish soup that has gained a reputation as a national dish. Other plates
include chicken, beef, and pork, prepared in a variety of rich sauces and marinades.

Because of the fertile soils and the humid tropical climate of the coast, Ecuador also produces a
stunning variety of fruits and vegetables, most notably bananas (known in Ecuador as “guineos”),
melons, and other exotic fruits like guava, passion fruit, soursop, star fruit, and achotillo, just to
name a few.

JAPAN
Religion: WAGNER

There are two main religions in Japan: Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto is a Japanese religion, while
Buddhism was imported in the 6th century from China. A recent poll found that 39% of Japanese
people identify as Buddhist, 3.9% as Shinto and 2.3% as Christian.

Celebrations: PEDRO

In Japan, the largest holiday is the New Year’s celebration. During spring and summer, celebrations
for the gods of the land and sea, or Matsuri, take place. Each town holds its own Matsuri, and these
celebrations are widely attended by all.

Sports: CHRISTIAN

Sports play a significant role in Japanese culture. Sumo, judo and karate are traditional Japanese
sports and baseball, soccer and rugby have been adopted from other cultures.

Sumo is the national sport of Japan and to this day is primarily practiced only in Japan. Modern sumo
was formed during the Edo era and little has changed since. Baseball is the most-watched sport in
the country. It was first introduced to the country in 1872 and has grown in popularity ever since.
COMIDA: PABLO

CONCLUSION VERONICA

As you can see Ecuador and Japan have big difference in their traditions, holidays and food but both
are beautiful countries. And what about you? On which country do you prefer to live?