Ecuadorian Catholic Traditions surrounding Easter Week

Holy Week is one of the few times in the year in which thousands of people come together in Quito. The week is comprised of a series of religious events, the expressions of which are profound and very public. During this 8-day Ecuador cultural tour, one experiences the customs up close while visiting the highlights of this Heritage city and surroundings.

Day 1: Palm Sunday. Early morning stroll through the Colonial center of Quito to witness the Palm Sunday Procession which ends with the Open Mass and a blessing of the palm fronds carried by the people who organize the procession.  These woven fronds are then taken home where they remain until the following year when they are burned and the ashes used during Ash Wednesday ceremonies. (B)

Day 2: After breakfast, we start our tour South to the Province of Cotopaxi. On the way, we drive up to the Pasochoa Reserve for an approximately 2 to 3 hour hike in the Mountain Forest on the slopes of the Pasochoa Volcano where we will have a chance to see the native flora and fauna.  After the Pasochoa Reserve, we will end our day tour at the Hostería Santa Ana for dinner and overnight. (B)

Day 3: After breakfast we travel south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes with a stop to the Cotopaxi National Park; here we take a short hike on the slopes of the Cotopaxi Volcano. Then, we will leave the park for a visit of the Monastery of Tilipulo with its charming chapel and the Cuicuno church with the famous representation of “Christ on the Tree” where we learn about this interesting local belief. PM, return to Quito for overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 4: Holy Wednesday. An interesting  and almost forgotten religious ritual takes place in Quito. This ritual known as the “Arrastre de Caudas” (dragging of capes) The tradition dates back to the Roman Empire, during which time the army would pay homage to a fallen general by waving a flag over his soldiers in a symbolic act of passing his bravery and spirit to his troops. The tradition was adopted by the Catholic Church and at one time performed through- out the Catholic world, but is now only performed in three cities worldwide: Quito, Sevilla and Lima. In place of a fallen general, the ceremony is performed in honor of Jesus. The Archbishop waves a large black flag with a red cross over 8 priests (called canónigos) who are prostrated before him, symbolically transferring the Christian spirit. Overnight in a hotel in the Colonial Center.

Day 5: Thursday of Mysteries. We will take you for another interesting visit in the Colonial area.  Along the tour, we will include a stop at each of the Seven Churches. Tradition has it, visiting seven of the main churches in Quito has a very deep meaning for the most devoted Catholics in preparation for the death of Jesus Christ. This act is known as the “Tour of the Seven Crosses”. Later on, at the Metropolitan Cathedral the Archbishop of Quito washes the feet of the canon priests as a recollection of Christ’s own deed to the Apostles. (B)

Day 6: Good Friday. Quito gets ready for the Procession of Jesus del Gran Poder (Jesus of the Great Power), the Patron of the city. More than a quarter of a million people will descend on the Plaza of San Francisco, on Good Friday – some to observe, others to participate. At 12pm noon, the hour in which Pontius Pilot condemned Jesus to death, the procession begins from the San Francisco Church, and returns to the same location approximately 3 hours later, the hour in which Jesus was crucified. During the procession people dressed and veiled in purple garments precede the image of Jesus. The men are known as Cucuruchos (meaning, “cone” for their pointed headdress) and the women are called Veronicas, after the woman who is thought to have offered her veil for Christ to wipe his face. The cones are a sign of humility, the purple, the color of penitence.    Those who wear them do so as an act of faith. (B)

Day 7: Holy Saturday. On this day we will visit the famous Indian market of Otavalo about 3 hours drive north of Quito for a visit of the most famous market of Ecuador. Apart from the handicrafts and colourful textiles sold at the market, we can experience different manifestations of Catholic nature in this small town. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Quito in the afternoon for overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 8: Easter Sunday. The Roman Catholics commemorate the Resurrection of Christ on this day after his Crucifixion which marks the end of the Passion of Jesus. Most churches will be full of faithful Christians during the special mass held on this very special day. After mass we will take you to your hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight at hotel. Remarks: Roman Catholic manifestations play an essential role in the Ecuadorian Culture and thus, Religious Art and Catholic Traditions are widely spread throughout the country.

• Location: Mainland Ecuador
• Style: Special Interest Tours
• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Start / End: Quito / Quito
• Activities: Learn about and watch the various religious events that take place during Easter Week
• Highlights: Ecuador’s Catholic traditions, Quito’s colonial centre, Cotopaxi National Park, Pasochoa Reserve
• Season: All year
• Included: Meals mentioned in itinerary, accommodation, local bilingual guide, all transfers and transport as detailed on itinerary
• Not Included: Tips, meals not stated in the itinerary, drinks, personal expenses
• Prices: Priced upon request