Presentation

Holy Week

1) What is Holy Week celebration?

Holy Week in Ecuador is the yearly commemoration of the Passion, Death, and
Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. It has a period of seven days and it commemorates
the last moments of Chris on Earth; that is to say, from the time he arrives in Jerusalem
proclaimed Savior, until he is judged, killed, and buried and resurrects.

2) Why do Ecuadorian people celebrate Holy Week?

Holy Week is commemorated by days, which have a specific meaning, by remembering
part of the path that followed Jesus, and how it led him to sacrifice himself for
humanity, to resurrect later. These days we can talk to children about values such as
kindness, mercy, love for others, solidarity, and justice.

3) What do Ecuadorian people do on Easter?

On the Saturday of Glory, streets everywhere teem with people, music fills the air, and
celebrations abound as families and friends gather together to enjoy a break from daily
life. The following day, Easter Sunday offers the perfect opportunity for Ecuadorians to
attend church services.

4) What do Ecuadorian people wear on Easter?

Men wear suits and ties, especially on special days such as Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday,
and Good Friday. The women wear dark clothing and some wear shawls. Women
dressed in purple robes, their faces covered with veils represent the “Veronicas.” They
pay homage to the woman who wiped Jesus’ face with her veil. On that day it is not
necessary to wear any specific clothes, however it is advisable not to wear mini skirts,
low-cut blouses, shorts, among others.

5) What do Ecuadorian people eat on Easter?

There are several traditional dishes that people eat during Easter. The entire meal
revolves around a special Ecuadorian Easter soup or stew called fanesca, which is
prepared only during this time of year. Fanesca is made with bacalao or salt cod,
squash, fava beans, chochos, corn, peas, porotos or fresh beans, rice, onions, garlic,
cumin, achiote, peanuts, milk, cream and cheese. Fanesca is served topped with
hardboiled egg slices or fried ripe plantains, white onions, fresh cheese and fried
cheese empanadas.