Recreation of "Viacrucis"; and of Mount Calvary; the preaching of the seven words; the descent, there are processions throughout the week; and, lastly, the Easter Sunday Mass is one of the religious acts that take place from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday.
On Good Friday, the people saw again the way of the cross, this is the name of the path that Jesus was to take, carrying on his shoulders the wood on which he was to be crucified. His death on the cross and his burial. This day is the core of Holy Week.
In Quito, the procession of Jesus begins at the Church of Jesus del Grand Poder, it is the most spectacular of the holy week.
About 250,000 people gather in the streets to watch this magnificent parade and witness a mysterious devotion.
The celebrations also take place in Guayaquil with the procession of "Cristo del Consuelo" and in Cuenca, where the festival begins on Palm Sunday, then with the visit of the seven churches on Holy Thursday, followed by the procession of the "Passion of the Christ" Good Friday.
During Holy Week in Ecuador, the entire city and its streets are full of purple colours similar to the "Klux Klan" tunics.
Far from these sinister motives, people dress in this way to represent sinners and martyrs, they are called "cucuruchos” = cones, their clothes are dark purple with hoods covering their faces.
They march in the procession of penitents through the streets of Quito.
They must walk barefoot and tied up with heavy, heavy chains as a form of redemption for their sins.
The women dressed in purple dresses; the face covered with veils represent the "Veronicas". They pay homage to the woman who wiped the face of Jesus with her veil.
There is always an Indian and Catholic mix at these celebrations. In some rural areas, such as in the Chimbo Valley, farmers spend the week petting their fruit trees while emphasizing the principle "Do not be lazy! Give your fruits! "
Palm Sunday celebrates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, in which everyone praises him as king with songs and palm trees. For this reason, the population brings branches made of leaves to bless them that day and participate in the mass.
Good Friday is a reminder of Jesus' passion: his prison, interrogations; flogging, coronation of thorns and crucifixion. Ecuadorians commemorate a solemn Stations of the Cross and the ceremony of adoration of the cross.
On Glory Saturday, the streets are full of people, there is music and celebrations are not lacking as families and friends get together to enjoy a break from the routine.
Easter Sunday offers Ecuadorians the ideal opportunity to go to church. This is the most important and joyous day for all Catholics, because Easter is the passage from death to life.
Holy Week in Ecuador is unofficially lived several weeks before its beginning.
For example, in terms of typical dishes, restaurants are starting to offer in their special menu the famous and delicious "Fanesca". It is a rich and traditional soup composed of twelve different grains, each representing one of the twelve disciples of Jesus.
In addition, the Fanesca is prepared, depending on the region, with a kind of pumpkin, cod, boiled eggs, pieces of green banana, fried bread, cheese and peanuts. This is the traditional Easter dish and it is a tradition that brings together whole families in the preparation and tasting of this delicious dish.
The beaches during Holy Week are quite busy, reservations are well in advance.