What is the black mother's party all

about?

■ The most important part of this festival is the

parade in which costumed citizens symbolize
traditional and popular characters, among them:
La Mama Negra, the central figure of the event,
leads the parade on horseback, dressed in
colorful costumes representing the area.
Who celebrates the mama negra?

■ This was born in the year 1742, after an eruption

of the Cotopaxi volcano, when the inhabitants of
the city of Latacunga decided to ask the Virgen
de las Mercedes to protect their region from the
havoc that the volcano could cause.
How is the black mother celebrated?

■ Its main event is a traditional parade where

different characters such as the Moorish king,
the angel of the star and the captain participate.
When is the festival of the black mother
celebrated?

■ It takes place from September 23 to 28 in

commemoration of the Virgen de las
Mercedes Another party is also held in
November for the independence of the city
of Latacunga.