La Mama Negra
fromThis festival is held in the city of Latacunga where its inhabitants pay homage of gratitude to the Virgen de la Merced. In this celebration the indigenous, Spanish and African cultures of Ecuador are shown. The streets of the city are filled with national and foreign visitors to see the parade with characters, music, cultural expressions and shows that give life to this tradition.
-
Reviews 0 Reviews0/5
-
Vacation Style Holiday Type
-
Rural
-
-
Activity Level Moderate
-
Group Size Medium Group
The Mama Negra festival is held in honor of the Virgen de las Mercedes and is organized by the merchants of Pichincha, La Merced and El Santo, this festival is held from September 23 to 28 in the city of Latacunga.
The main character of the party, which must be a man, wears colorful and formal clothing among the main accessories of his attire is a handkerchief, necklaces, a mask, a blouse, a skirt, petticoat, bottom and espadrilles of various colors, this a character known as the black mother represents a freed slave carrying a baby in her arms and two men who guard her.
Within this popular festival there is a series of characters staging a play called La Santísima Tragedia where the community participates representing the main characters known as: The so-called Angel of the Star, El Capitán, El Rey Moro, La Mama Negra , the praising negritos, Huacos, Yumbos, Camisonas, Payasos, Cholas, Ashangueros, among others, who play a specific role in the tragedy.
This festival is held in honor of the Virgen de la Merced, where a night religious ceremony called Misa de la Gallina is celebrated, then a procession takes place through the streets of the city to the sound of traditional bands.
The Virgin of Mercy is also known as the Virgin of the Volcano and this festival is celebrated daily in order for the Virgin as belief of protection of the city from possible eruptions.
September 23rd-28th
The festival is celebrated every year and organized by the merchants of Pichincha, La Merced and El Santo, and has become a cultural expression of Latacunga.
It is celebrated in Latacunga, Province of Cotopaxi.
In this celebration the main character along with his dancers put on a play with their characteristic costumes, dance traditional dances and perform troupes with the community.
