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Ecuador
History of Ecuador
Before the Spanish arrived, Quito Ecuador was ruled by the Incan emperor Atahualpa and people still celebrate him as triumphant.
In the centre of the city, we have the Olympic Atahualpa stadium. Athualpa defended his brother in the Spanish conquests in 1531.
In 1820, Simon Bolivar helped Ecuador gain independence. Bolivar led the Ecuadorians into the Battle of Pichincha. On 24 May 1822 the Ecuadorians were victorious. This day is now celebrated as the independence day of Ecuador with parades, fairs and music festivals.
Ecuador has a mix of people, the Mestizos, Spanish, Native Indians and Africans who originally were brought to South America as slaves. All these people are equal and live together as one community.
The Native Indians have health care assistance known as Timmy’s community that helps poor people receive good health care. They also use natural medicines.
Language
The official language in Ecuador is Spanish, however, the Andean native people speak Quechua, which is very different from modern Spanish. There are more than nine different dialects.
Gastronomy
The traditional dish is guinea pig.
Native Indians from the Andes mountains around Quito, grow quinoa, which is very popular for its nutritional value.
Passion fruit, llapingachos, quimbolitos and cheese empanadas are common foods from this area.
Agriculture
In the past, native people spent most of their time farming. Children did not go to school. Women stayed at home and sometimes they sold goods at the market.