Santuario
de la Virgen
del Guayco
(The Sanctuary
of the Virgin
of Guayco)
One
of the most
popular tourist
attractions
in the province
of Bolivar
which attracts
visitors from
all over the
country when
pilgramages
to the site
of the Virgin
Mary are organised.
Mons.
Candido Rada,
the first
bishop of
Guaranda,
directed the
construction
of this
sanctuary
over a ravine
in the parish
of La Magdalena
de Canton
Chimbo.
According
to tradition,
the Virgin
Mary appeared
in the presence
of countrywoman.
Las
Cochas
10
kms from Guaranda
the recreational
area named
Las Cochas
is situated.
Its consists
of two lakes
named Patococha
and Puricocha.
Traditions
and Customs
Every
canton and
parish of
Bolivar has
its own customs
and traditions.
Every 24th
May the festivals
of the "Senor
de a Buena
Esperanza"
are celebrated;
every December
6th "Fiesta
de los Tres
Reyes"
(Festival
of the Three
Kings); every
13th June
"Fiesta
de San Antonio"
the patron
saint of Simiatug,
among others.
Among the
many legends
that exist
in the province,
most tell
stories of
magic, evil
spirits, fairies
and elves.
Traditional
Cuisine
Among
the many dishes
that Bolivarian
cuisine has
to offer are
torta
de papas
(potato cakes),
tortilla
de maiz
(maiz tortillas
made with
corn flour
and sugar),
sancocho
(a soup made
with lamb
or pork, carrots,
rice, plantain,
yucca or potatoes,
maiz, peas
or beans)
and bolitas
de verde
(made with
plantain).
Carnival
of Guaranda
The
Carnival of
Guaranda is
not just about
getting absolutely
drenched in
the infamous
water fights,
but about
throwing the
country's
biggest party
with music,
traditional
song, dances
and indulging
in delicious
food and drink.
It
is hard to
pinpoint the
exact origin
of the Carnival
of Guaranda,
but by listening
to the music
and lyrics
of the traditional
song, it almost
certainly
dates back
to pre-Hispanic
times.
This festival
has been celebrated
for centuries,
every carnival
is prepared
with the utmost
attention
to detail,
months in
advance.
Carnival celebrations
actually begin
in Guaranda
on the 6th
of January,
sometimes
on Christmas
Eve, but the
main festivities
take place
during the
last days
of February
an beginning
of March lasting
for a week
in total.
Water and
flour fights
are traditional.
During carnival
a host of
bands play
throughout
the streets
of Guaranda.
The competition
choosing the
Queen of Guaranda
takes place,
there are
street parades,
school, college
and university
celebrations
and street
dances.
Guarandenos
open their
doors to their
neighbours
and offering
food and drink,
music and
dance.
For an entire
week, the
party doesn't
stop, not
for even a
minute.
The carnival
of Guaranda
is considered
one of, if
not the best,
carnival in
Ecuador.
Last Updated
31st July
2006 (DLW)
