|
For more interesting information along these lines, there is Shaman's Drum, Quarterly Magazine, published by the Cross-Cultural Shamanism Newwork, 290 N. Main, Suite #5, Ashland, OR 97520. Many of these books can be ordered in the U.S. or bought in Quito at one of the extensive Libri Mundi Book Stores (Located on Calle Juan Leon Mera 851 in the new city and with locations in the Hilton Colon and the Oro Verde Hotels. In Guayaquil, there is the Libreria Cientifica on Calle Luque 223. Another place that publishes the best selection of works on the indigenous people of Ecuador is Abya Yala Press, Ave. 12 of Oct. l430 and Wilson, Tel 562-622 or 506-247. Upstairs is an Amazonic Museum with real Tsantsas (shrunken heads). The Abya-Yala Journal of the South and Mero-American Indian Rights Center (SAIIC), P.O. Box 28703, Oakland, Calif 94604, tel. (510) 834-4263, email: saiic@igc.apc.org, provides an indigenous perspective on news and native movements in Latin America. One year of four issues if $25. Also The South American Explorer's Club has a great selection of books for sale. Ecuador's Holidays At least 19 days each year are celebrated nationwide in Ecuador. Many of these days are holidays for everyone, and travel or services can be very difficult to arrange. Other holidays are just celebrated regionally or only by some part of the population. There are historical and political holidays, usually commemorating famous generals, battles and independence anniversaries and can range from nationwide parties to special days for individual towns. Religious holidays combine the solemnity of Catholic processions and services with drinking and dancing celebrations, especially in indigenous Andean pueblos. At any rate, be prepared for some inconveniences, even though these national and regional celebrations can be an exciting and memorable experience. Be sure to change enough money into local currency when a fiesta is coming up. Also, transportation will be more crowded. January 1 - Countrywide: New Year's eve is a big night in Ecuador with the burning of the old images (effigies), lots of local drinking, with possibly some local parades. On New Year's Day most shops and services close to recover from the previous night's celebration. January 6 - Countrywide: The Religious holiday Three Kings' Day. Many businesses will be closed. Catholic Spring Holidays - The Catholic Church's most festive season revolves around Easter, which technicallly occurs on the Sunday after the full moon of the vernal equinox. Carnival in February or March is the big celebration before the 40 days of fasting and penance known as Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday. Holy Week (Semana Santa) occurs just before Easter. Palm Sunday kicks things off, with parishoners bringing palm fronds to church. |