Religion

The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism, but other Christian faiths are represented. Indigenous Ecuadorians, on the other hand, have combined Catholicism with their traditional beliefs. The near synonymous association of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) and the Virgin Mary is one example. Holidays such as Christmas and Easter are especially interesting times to visit Ecuador. However, because religion is free in Ecuador, there are small populations of other Christian groups such as Adventists, Mormons, and Evangelicals, as well as an extremely small but present Jewish population and a scattering of other religions.

Musical celebrations, long processions and walks, and a variety of other entertaining displays are frequently included in customs. Novenas are a common practice in the Latin Catholic church in which the community organizes walks or services for the nine days preceding a holy day in pious preparation and prayer. Christmas: In preparation for Christmas, live nativities and Christmas pageants are common sights during the Advent season. On Christmas Eve, many communities will stage the Posadas, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Another custom is to toast with eggnog liquor rompope and share a ham or turkey dinner with family.