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Saraguro Culture and Traditions

The Saraguro people of southern Ecuador are known for preserving their traditional customs like clothing, language, architecture, solstice rituals, and use of medicinal plants. Their culture is expressed through Andean music, dance, myths and legends. The origin of the name "Saraguro" may be related to corn, an important crop for their economic, social, and symbolic practices. Their traditional dress distinguishes men and women and incorporates embroidery, wool fabrics, and silver jewelry. A key tradition is the annual January 6 Fiesta de los Reyes Magos celebration where people in colorful costumes carry a baby Jesus figure between communities.

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Daniel Heredia
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74 views1 page

Saraguro Culture and Traditions

The Saraguro people of southern Ecuador are known for preserving their traditional customs like clothing, language, architecture, solstice rituals, and use of medicinal plants. Their culture is expressed through Andean music, dance, myths and legends. The origin of the name "Saraguro" may be related to corn, an important crop for their economic, social, and symbolic practices. Their traditional dress distinguishes men and women and incorporates embroidery, wool fabrics, and silver jewelry. A key tradition is the annual January 6 Fiesta de los Reyes Magos celebration where people in colorful costumes carry a baby Jesus figure between communities.

Uploaded by

Daniel Heredia
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Saraguro people, located northeast of Loja and 140 km south of Cuenca, are characterized

by preserving their archaic customs, among which the clothing, the language, the traditional
architecture, the ritual in the solstices, the use of plants stand out. medicines, food and typical
drinks.

Music, Andean dance, myths and legends, all inherited, are the elements that identify this
historic community. There is no defined etymology about the origin and meaning of saraguro,
but it is said that its name is closely linked to corn, a very important grain in economic, social
and symbolic activity for them.

Vestment

For the women: Anaco; it can be made of wool or orlon and has a fine pleat. Skirt: This goes
under the anaco, it has embroidery on the edge that usually combines with the sash and the
shirt or blouse Hat; Woolen and white with black designs, it can weigh up to a pound and a
half.Cloth or rebozo: It is a garment made with sheep's wool and dyed black, although
currently it can also be found in blue and is used to cover oneself from the cold The jewels are
silver;Earrings – tendrils: with crescent shapesWallka or tended necklace: It is a multi-colored
fabric made with beads.Tupu or mole: It is a jewel that is used to hold the cloth with a chain
that hangs around the neck to hold the tupu or mole, it is silver with a color Shirt or blouse:
This garment stands out for the embroideries that can currently be found in various designs
Girdle

For the mens Poncho: black wool used mostly in gala events. Belt: It is made of leather, with
gold knobs and other ornaments that represent the wealth of man. Pants: Black that goes to
the knee. Zamarro: Made of white wool that covers only the front part, from the ankles to the
waist.Normally the typical costume is used for special events as a symbol of elegance and
status.They didn't wear shoes until the 1950s, but now their shoes are black.

TYPICAL FOOD

Roasted cuy Humitas: It is accompanied by coffee. Gualo tortillas: Prepared with ground ripe
corn mixed with pork butter, eggs, salt, cheese or quesillo and finally makes tortillas and roasts
them and is accompanied by coffee, or alone. Ají de pepa de zambo: Made with roasted zambo
seed, ground and seasoned with chili and other spices. It is the ideal companion for most
typical Loja dishes. Honey with cheese: Traditional dessert made with hot panela honey and
soft cheese. Chicha de Jora: The typical drink is corn chicha or also known as chicha de jora,
which was stored and fermented in pitchers.

TRADITIONS

Annually, on January 6, the Saraguro people celebrate one of their main traditions in southern
Ecuador: the Fiesta de los Reyes Magos. This custom brings together compadres, neighbors,
godchildren and the rest of the population, who in colorful costumes carry a figure of the baby
Jesus in their arms as they go through the main communities in the area in procession until
they reach the Iglesia Matriz San Pedro de Saraguro.

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