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Cultural differences
When dealing with people from other cultures, there is no substitute for careful
responsiveness to interpersonal relationships, the power of observation,
effective questioning, and good common sense. Much can be learned by
observing how people from the same culture treat each other. Don't be afraid to
ask questions as most people respond very positively to questions about their
own culture. Ask a variety of individuals to get a true perspective of reality.

Making a sincere effort to find the positive in a society's historical, literary, and
cultural contributions; learning a few polite phrases in another person's
language, and showing appreciation for another culture's food and music can
have truly positive effects.

So, it's not that cultural differences don't exist. There are real differences
between peoples that give us a lot of richness (and sometimes a bit of humor).
My assertion is that people have much more in common than is usually thought,
such as the need for affiliation and affection, for participation and contribution.
When you look beyond the exterior and appearances, there aren't that many
differences left after all.
 WORKSHEET 1.

CULTURE AND TRADITION OF ECUADOR

Reading

In Ecuador, there are a variety of festivities that represent diverse cultural

practices related to traditional popular culture.

During March or April, Easter week is usually celebrated in Ecuador. In Quito,

the Procession of Jesus del Gran Poder, one of the most traditional in the
country, takes place. During this procession, there are many people dressed in
purple (cucuruchos) through the streets holding a statue of Jesus, crosses, or
other religious symbols.

The "diablada" or devils party is celebrated in the town of Píllaro in Tungurahua.

Its origin comes from the colony time, when the natives used to disguise
themselves as devils in rejection of the Catholic religion, due to the abuse they
received from the Spaniards. Guaranda's Carnival is one of the most important
festivals in the country where hundreds of national and international tourists
attend, where some traditional events take place such as the election of the
beauty queen, the Taita Carnival, its parade, among others. The origin of this
celebration which lasts 3 days, was in honor of the Cacique Guaranga and
nature.

On June 24, the sun is celebrated, which is called Inti Raymi and takes place in
the city of Otavalo. On November 2 takes place the "Day ofthe Dead", wh ich is
celebrated in Europe and North America as All Saints' Day. Especially for this
day Ecuadorians bake "Guaguas de pan" and cook "Colada Morada".

In November, there is a ceremony called "Mama Negra". This special event is

held for the anniversary of its independence, and in honor of the Virgen de la
Merced in the province of Cotopaxi. A particularity of this festival is that it is
celebrated twice a year.

Ecuadorians, of course, also celebrate Christmas. On December 24, families

gather in their homes to make the novena and have dinner together. On
Christmas Eve, families open their gifts together. At the end of the year,
Ecuadorians celebrate the arrival of the new year, building figures of paper and
glue (años viejos) that they burn at midnight, on December 31. The burning of
the dummy represents leaving behind all the bad things that happened during
the year gone, and it is hoped that the new year Will be better. In addition, there
are many fireworks in the cities.
 ACTIVITIES

1. Circle the correct answer.

a) The Indians disguised themselves as devils in rejection of the Catholic religion

because of abuses they suffered at the hands of the English / Spanish.

b) The Guaranda's Carnival was in honor of nature and the King of Spain /Cacique
Guaranga.

c) processions and people dressed in purple costumes on the streets holding a statue
of Jesus to celebrate the Mama Negra / Holy week

d) Ecuadorians bake "Guaguas de pan" and cook "Colada Morada" to celebrate the
Inty Raymi / Dia de los difuntos

e) Before the new year, the Ecuadorians burn the "año Viejo" at midnight/ noon

f) Inti Raymi is a festival that celebrates the moon / sun.

g) Another name, to refer to the celebration that occurs on November 2nd is the All-
Saints Day / Day of the Gone Ones.

2. Look at the picture and complete the paragraph with the words in the box

DANCE COSTUMES ECUADOR CHARACTERS GUITAR

This picture is a traditional

celebration in where
the woman
While the man dances and plays the

Both usually wear

colorful traditional
3. Match the festivities with the right picture.

Mama Negra Holy Week Diablada de

Píllaro

Guaranda´s
Christmas
Carnival